Lawrence "Larry" Roach

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Lawrence “Larry” Charles Roach, formerly of Urbandale, Iowa, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 9, 2021, in Missouri Valley, Iowa, following a lengthy illness, at the age of 81 years and 27 days.

Larry was born on October 13, 1940, to Forrest and Genevieve (Bernard) Roach in Jefferson, South Dakota. He grew up in Jefferson, graduating with the Class of 1958. Larry continued his education at the National Business Training School, studying to become a bookkeeper. Before graduating he was offered his first job in a printing company with Bolstein Creative Printing. He continued his career in the printing business holding various positions in Sioux City, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa, for over 40 years, before he retired in 2004. During Larry’s retirement, he found great joy in participating in various church outreach programs and sharing his love of Jesus to those that he came in contact with in the Des Moines area. Larry was an avid golfer and also enjoyed playing racquetball, ping pong, basketball, and tennis. Although he loved chasing a ball, because Carol loved walking, he spent many hours on the walking trail with her. He was also known for his trademark sarcastic sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Burk; and step-daughter, Debra Shonley. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Carol Roach, and step-children, Julie (Jeremy) Gyorke, David (Karen) Anderson and Amy (Andrew) Peterson. From his marriage to Karen Shackelford, he is survived by two stepchildren, Kamille (Tom) Loftus and Kerry (Kim) Shackelford. He is survived by two sons from his marriage to Pat Bristol, Daniel (Fran) Dennison and Corey Dennison. Larry is also survived by his brothers, Martin (Patricia) Roach and David (Janet) Roach, and brother-in-law, Gene Burk; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.