Larry James Aalbers

Larry James Aalbers (81) a veteran of the Vietnam War and long-time resident of Olympia, Washington, passed away March 3, 2025, surrounded by his son, daughter, and wife after a courageous battle with cancer. Larry, or “Butch” as he was known to many in the area was born on April 1, 1943, at home on a farm East of Monroe, Iowa known as the “In Field Farm”. He was the sixth child of Tone and Bessie Aalbers. He attended Monroe Schools and graduated in the Class of 1961 while working at W. P. Barber Lumber Company.

Larry enlisted in the Army in July of 1961 after being refused a job to drive truck for the Red Rock Dam project. After basic training, he was sent to Fort Meyer, Virginia where he worked out of the Pentagon as a sedan driver. He was then sent to Korea, which he felt was the best decision he had made while in the Army. While there he was assigned to the 65th Medical Group which he said resembled the TV Series “Mash”. He was promoted to E4 and then Acting Sargeant put in charge of the motor pool. Larry was moved around to the following Army bases: Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley, Vietnam (two tours), Fort Carson, Fort Rucker, Baumholder Germany and Fort Lewis. Larry saw action in Vietnam and had many amazing stories of his time there. He wrote of a time when his company was being hit with rockets and 82MM mortars. One of his men was hit, and while under fire, Larry left cover, ran to the fallen soldier, and moved him to safety. Due to his action, the soldier survived. The US Army recognized Larry for his honorable service with a Bronze Star with Valor Medal.

During his military career, he received many notable medals. After 21 years, he retired as a CW4 at Fort Lewis, Washington in July 1982. With the help of the Monroe Quilt of Honor Group, he was awarded his quilt August 2023 in Olympia, Washington.

After retiring he held many jobs. He was known for his DIY projects and humor.

Larry was preceded in death by his son Craig (age 13), parents Tone & Bessie Aalbers, brothers, and sisters-in-law Fred (Josephine) Aalbers, Russell (Kathy) Aalbers and brother-in-law Ron Scherer.

He is survived by wife Rebecca, son Michael, daughter Tiffany Van Meter and two grandsons Knox and Hunter Van Meter; brothers Dick (Barbara) Aalbers, Jerry (Sandy) Aalbers and L. Bruce Aalbers; sisters Shirley (Ralph) McGregor, Mary Scherer, Betty (Duane) Sabin, Charlotte (Curt) Prather, and Sally (Steve) Knoll; many nieces and nephews and friends around the world.

Larry will be laid to rest with military rites among his fellow veterans April 1, 2025, at 12:30pm at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery located at 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, Iowa.