Larry Clipperton

Larry Clipperton

 

 

Larry Dean Clipperton, born on Jan. 10, 1942, in West Union, IA to Clifford and Beth (Zeller) Clipperton, died on March 7, 2017 at age 75, in LaCrosse, WI, due to complications from a heart attack. 

His passing was preceded by his mother, father, sister Nancy, and daughter Cari Lynn. 

Larry is survived by his wife Hildegard of Bloomfield, IA, his brother Gary (Marge) Clipperton of Ventura, CA, his children Mark Clipperton of Kansas City, MO, Penny Hertges of Ossian, IA, Paula (Brad) Johnson of Clayton, IA, Joel Clipperton of Denver, CO, grandchildren Dillon Knox of Elgin, IA, Harmony Clipperton of Kansas City, MO, Matthew and Sarah Hertges of Ossian, IA, and one great grandchild, Presleigh Clipperton of Kansas City, MO.

A graduate of North High School in West Union, Larry lettered in football, ran track, and wrestled. 

After high school and some courses at Upper Iowa University and the University of Iowa, Larry became a lineman for the regional telephone company. While at Bell Telephone his early career was most notable for his work on the installation of numerous telephone lines for government staff and reporters at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Burial Site in West Branch, IA. 

For a short time he left the phone company and worked for himself burying telecommunication lines underground, taking Larry and his family all over the United States.  After experiencing the sights and sounds of Montana, Texas, Alabama, and Florida, Larry settled down in Des Moines, IA where he expanded his love of gardening, cooking, and family genealogy. 

Upon his return to Iowa, Larry found himself back at Northwestern Bell, working on the State of Iowa’s capital complex phone system. With 32 years of outstanding service under his belt while at Qwest Communications (formerly USWest, Northwestern Bell, Bell Telephone), Larry retired to his childhood home in West Union. 

An avid outdoorsman Larry loved hunting and fishing. Whether it was hunting pheasant and turkey in the backwoods of Iowa, fishing down the Mississippi, or catching exotic fish on his boat in the Florida Keys, Larry was always at home.

His skills as a master gardener were evidenced by his love for turning entire backyards into victory gardens. He was proud of his crops of vegetables, fruit, and herbs and was humbled by sharing his surplus to those in need during times of hardship and joy. 

After building two homes and remodeling countless others, his skill as a master carpenter was quite evident.  Some of his other favorite hobbies included stained glass, woodworking, pen making, leather work, sudoku, computers & networking, the Internet, web design, hiking, cross country skiing, and visiting national parks and foreign countries. 

After retiring, Larry spent many fruitful years making new friends and uniting with old pals. His favorite times were spent mulling around the Mississippi and Volga rivers, Echo Valley Park, Fort Atkinson, Decorah, and Prairie Du Chien, among others. Larry loved his Monday morning gatherings for coffee with “the guys” at the Hardee’s in West Union. He spoke fondly of his friends and the making of great memories over the years. 

Recently Larry became a member of Faith Bible Fellowship Church.

Larry’s pride and joy was Rudy, a mixed hound that he rescued from the Humane Society in Decorah. Rudy went everywhere with Larry, enjoying daily walks, digging in the garden together, strolling through the woods, enjoying nature’s sights and sounds, and sometimes even going by an occasional garage sale along the way.  

Larry you will be sorely missed!

A private Celebration of Life will be held for immediate family on May 27, 2017. Then, at 4 pm, friends of Larry are welcome to the West Union Cemetery to pay their respects, where his remains will be laid to rest next to his parents and sister Nancy. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a contribution to the Northeast Iowa Humane Society in Decorah at (563) 382-0500.  

Rate this article: 
No votes yet
Comment Here