Larry Arthur Romick

Larry Arthur Romick, 85, of Monroe Iowa, passed away on August 11, 2024, at Pella Regional Health Center, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Larry was born on September 29, 1938, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Charles Arthur “Art” and Marie (Fisher) Romick. During his lifetime Larry lived in many towns including St. Louis, Fairfield, Oskaloosa, Knoxville, Red Rock, Ivy, Clive, and Leon, before finally settling in Monroe where he graduated high school in 1956. He would go on to attend five quarters at Iowa State where he studied Agriculture. Larry’s 1957 Chevy Belaire 2 door hardtop caught the eye of his future wife Marcy Dammeier of Metz while cruising the square in Monroe. The couple were later married on June 26, 1959, in Newton. They settled in Monroe where they raised their family and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

Larry worked as a welder and maintenance operator at Vermeer Manufacturing, Parsons, and Armstrong/Pirelli until his retirement in 1994. After his retirement Larry did not stop working. He sold cars and worked as a school custodian for several years. Larry’s final job was as custodian at the Monroe Methodist church, where he was a long-time member and took great pride in ensuring the church was always ready for the next event. Larry loved going to car auctions and could always be spotted wearing his N.A.D.A. car value bible in his back pocket. He and Marcy square danced for many years and were heavily involved in supporting their church. His other passion was to find old items at garage and estate sales that needed to be refurbished; he had many hammers and garden tools in his garage that he restored. Larry especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marcy. They took many trips together and during their marriage visited Branson, MO, Washington D.C., Texas, Hawaii, and Europe. Larry and Marcy loved living life.

Larry loved cars. He routinely watched NASCAR and was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt. His most treasured possession was his 1969 Camaro Indy Pace Car Convertible that he restored with his brother Rod in Storm Lake, IA. He loved to go out and cruise with the top down and take family members out with him.

As much as he loved his Camaro, he loved being a dad, a grandpa, and a great grandpa more. Larry could always be counted on to support his grandkids in any activity they participated in, to include support via practicing with his grandkids. Larry possessed a legendary work ethic and always thought of other people before considering himself, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. The loss of his daughter Tammy strengthened his devotion and commitment to his family. Larry and Marcy dedicated the remainder of their lives to supporting their son Barry, their grandkids, and their great grandkids. He was a devoted and loving husband to Marcy and deeply missed her. Larry was a great man.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his son Barry (Kelly) Romick; eight grandchildren, Nathan (Jennifer) Van Wyk, Andrew (Celia) Romick, Alisa (Melanie) Romick, Emily (Nick) Bates, Austin Van Wyk, Katlyn (Brad) Millison, Jenna Petersen, and Bryce (Amber) Romick; 19 great grandchildren; siblings Jim (Terri) Romick, Gloria (Paul) Kane, Rodney (Barb) Romick, Barb (Russ) Hagen, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Marcy, his parents, his brother Garry Romick, a daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Marvin Van Wyk; two grandchildren, Zachary Van Wyk and Nathan LeGrand.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 9:30 am until service time. Burial will take place at Silent City Cemetery.