Larry LeRoy Pettet

Larry LeRoy Pettet, 85, of Newton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Larry was born on August 17, 1939, in Creston, Iowa, to Ivan Pettet and Irene (Marvin) Pettet. He graduated from Creston High School with the Class of 1958. On June 19, 1960, he was united in marriage to Thelma Ileen Kirkland in Zion, Iowa, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and devotion.

Larry spent many years working in retail management. He began his career as floor manager at Farm and Home Supply in Creston, where he worked for 18 years. In 1979, he transferred to the Farm and Home Store in Newton to serve as store manager. Later, he worked at Midwest Manufacturing in Kellogg until his retirement in 2005.

Larry had a deep passion for classic cars, especially his beloved GTO and ‘46 Ford. He was a frequent visitor to car shows and enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm with others. A fan of country western music, he also enjoyed woodworking and photography, always finding joy in crafting and capturing life’s special moments.

He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Newton, where his faith remained a guiding part of his life.

Larry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and the love he had for his family and hobbies.

Those left to honor Larry’s memory are his wife, Thelma Pettet; his son, Tony Pettet

(Heather) of Johnston, IA ; his daughter, Christy Thelen (Mark) of Kellogg, IA; sister Bonnie Eblen of Creston, IA ; brother-in-law Don Thompson (Myrtle) of Greenfield, IA; grandchildren Clint (Erika) Ripperger, Nathan Thelen, Nick Thelen, Evan Pettet, Brennalyn Pettet, and step-grandson Dylan (Jenna) Gordon; great grandchildren Quentin Shehan, Sophie White, and Anthony Ripperger; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Brenda Ripperger; brother-in-law Ron Eblen; and his in-laws Harlan and Vera Kirkland.

A memorial service for Larry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Newton, Iowa. The family will greet guests at the church an hour prior to services, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in Larry’s honor.