Obituaries : Larry Lee Wiebke

Larry Lee Wiebke went into the arms of Jesus to his eternal home in Heaven on April 5th, 2026 – a glorious Easter Sunday. 

A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Van Horne with Pastor Lingard officiating on Monday, April 13th at 10:30am. After the service, internment will be at Salem Cemetery, Van Horne. Luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12th from 2-5pm at the church.  

Larry was born on January 18th, 1938, son of Orville and Edna (Pronge) Wiebke. He was baptized in Christ on February 13th, 1938, and confirmed in Christ on April 6th, 1952. He married Evelyn (Ev) Brehm on August 7th,1965 and together they lived and served their church, school, and community in Van Horne their entire married life. 

Larry graduated from Allison High School, received his B.S. degree from Upper Iowa University, and then later obtained his M.A. degree in Education from UNI. Larry taught science and physical education classes at Van Horne High School and then at Benton Community. He coached girls’ softball (24 years) and basketball (13 years) at Van Horne and Benton Community (coaching the 1962 Van Horne girls’ basketball team to a state championship) and served many years as Benton’s Activities Director. He enjoyed years of umpiring and conversing with coaches and players. He commented that he bled “Blue and Gold” continuing to support and encourage staff and students, even after retirement. Many Benton Community students only knew him as the “man on the mower” as he cared for the appearance of Benton’s campus and ballfields for many years, serving Van Horne and then Benton Community schools in many roles for 64 years!

Larry was a servant who had a strong work ethic. He served the Iowa High School Athletic Director’s Association as an officer, was inducted into the Upper Iowa Hall of Fame, served in many capacities at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, and has been an active Lions member for over 63 years – following the motto “We Serve.” Larry and Ev were definitely a team as they thoroughly enjoyed serving together going to Orphan Grain Train Ministry, preparing items for Angel Tree Ministry, spending time and fellowship with friends stitching quilts for missions, supporting the Benton County Relay for Life, and working at Lions’ functions. Through the years of serving as an educator and coach, serving his Lord Jesus and community, Larry shared that his most gratifying and memorable times have been with the many wonderful people he met along the way. Larry easily connected with people. He was a lifelong learner and was always asking questions. Larry knew someone everywhere he went or would make friends with any stranger.

Larry was faithful to his family, especially Ev. Together they attended ballgames and concerts, played cards and games almost daily, and yearly family time at Okoboji.  He was also devoted to his friends, Benton Community, and was faithful to his Lord Jesus. He was a man of integrity, had a strong work ethic, and desired to stay busy. One always knew where “Webe” stood – a man of his word. 

On November 24th, 1975 Larry and Ev were blessed by God with the adoption of their daughter, Melissa. She has given them a son-in-law, Chris, and their children: Gracie, Gerik, and Shiloh. How Larry loved attending the grands’ activities, encouraging their education, giving unconditional support, and spending time with them. He loved when they would stop by to join in on a game of cards. The grandkids loved hearing many of Larry’s unique quips and stories. No matter where he was, even in the Emergency Room, he was ready with a good story. 

No longer does he have to think about lesson plans, the correct call of balls and strikes, or immaculate school grounds and ballfields at Benton Community. Now he will be in Heaven playing endless card games and tending to HIS eternal garden. Larry knew he was a sinner, needed a Savior and that Savior is Jesus. His desire is for ALL to be in Heaven. 

Larry is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Melissa (Chris) Struck, grandchildren Gracie Jurgens (Gabe Hartman), Gerik Jurgens (Kate Hyslope), and Shiloh Struck, brothers-in-law Dennis Henning and Joe (Marlys) Brehm, sister-in-law Lynda Hachmann, nieces and nephews: Chad, Jodi, Kelli, Julie, Bill, Marc, Terry, Lori, Pam, Erik, Evan, and Ethan, and their families and many friends – including a special friend of 60 years Rosemary Meyer. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Edna Wiebke, in-laws Herman and Mildred Brehm, sister Carol Henning, and in-laws Don and Judy Kuch, Bill and Bonita Wilson, and Dick Hachmann. 

Larry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nurse Kelli and Aide Anna from Virginia Gay Home Health for their compassionate care and friendship. They would also like to thank Dr. Moriarty (Nurse Jennifer), Dr. Al Darazi, and staff of Unity Point St. Luke’s 6th floor Pulmonary and Hospice units for their exceptional care. 

Memorials may be directed to St. Andrew Missions, Benton Community Foundation, and the Van Horne Lions.

Online Condolences:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com