Larry D. Westra Sr.

Larry Dean Westra, age 76, passed away surrounded by his family at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD on June 27^th 2023.

He was a graduate of South Highschool in Denver, CO. In 1967 Larry met the love of his life, Flo Hollowell; they wed on August 12^th of that same year. Two weeks after they got married, he was drafted to serve our country in the Army; Flo was left home with their daughter, Robbie Westra. He spent the next two years in Germany during the Vietnam War. After returning home from the Army, he worked with his brother, Duane Westra in construction pouring concrete. In 1972 Larry began working as a cook at Romano’s Italian Pizzeria, he would later become Head Chef (and always reminded us that he was the only one who was strong enough to lift an entire pot of sauce straight out in front of him 😉). Larry and Flo welcomed their son, Larry Westra Jr. in May of that same year. In 1996 Larry went on to his final occupation at Ascension Lutheran Church as the Maintenance Custodian. He would finally retire in 2012 but he never did stop working, he always kept himself busy with a new project.

Larry was an avid fisherman and loved being with all his Family. He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Flo Westra, their daughter, Robbie Andrus (Bob), Larry Westra Jr., six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by several siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many friends. He was preceded in his death by his parents, Gerrit and Dena Westra, his brothers Duane, Randy, and Rudy Westra, and his sister Helene.

Larry’s Celebration of Life will take place at Ascension Lutheran Church on Monday July 10^th at 11:00 AM. Burial services will be private for immediate family, but a lunch will be served for all in the Fellowship Hall at Ascension immediately after his service. Memorials can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude