Larry L. Book

     Larry Lee Book, 87, of Sioux City, IA, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Sunrise Retirement Community of Sioux City. 

     Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, November 21, 2023, at Redeemer Lutheran Church (located at 3204 S. Lakeport St. Sioux City, IA) with Pastor Russell Senstad and Pastor David Zirpel officiating. A burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City, IA. Visitation will be from 5:00pm - 8:00 pm on November 20, 2023, A prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City.

     Online condolences may be made to the family at www.christysmith.com.

     Larry was born Saturday, April 25, 1936, in Martinsburg, NE to William and Florence (Zinn) Book.  He lived his youth in Martinsburg, first going to the local schoolhouse, then onto Ponca High School where he graduated in 1953 at the age of 17.

     On August 18, 1956, Larry married his one true love Jeanene A. Stallbaum. They made their home in South Sioux City, later raising their children in Sergeant Bluff, and moving back to Sioux City where they enjoyed the view of Whispering Creek Golf Course.  The couple shared 59 wonderful years together before Jeanene’s passing in 2016. His greatest joy was his legacy through family; they had 3 children: Greg, Terresa, and Gina, and loved seeing their family grow with each generation to include 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who gave him his favorite title of “Papa Larry.”

     Larry’s career started right after high school learning the masonry and construction trades, which led to him starting his own business as a masonry contractor. He went on to establish L & L Builders Co. and L & L Book properties, which he owned and operated with his brother Lonny.  He was an impactful leader within the Siouxland construction industry for over 50 years before retiring to property management/development. Just this spring, he retired from reporting to the office daily. Larry was proud that he had been his own boss for almost 65 years.

     Watching projects grow in Siouxland from an idea on paper to completion brought Larry immense joy.  Those working with him knew him to be stern but fair, exemplifying character and integrity in all that he did. While working, Larry served many industry and related boards and committees, including the Master Builders of Iowa, both the Local and National Home Builders Association, and many other local groups.

     Larry was acknowledged for many contributions to the greater Siouxland Community. These included Sertoman of the Year, Port Admiral of Rivercade, Rotary Club Keyway award, Builder of the Year for Home Builders Association, and Small Business of the Year by the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.  He served on many local and state boards which included St. Lukes Hospital, Grandview Health, Siouxland Blood Bank, Chamber of Commerce, Morningside College, WIT Foundation Board, Tax Research, Sunrise Manor, South Sioux Development, WACO, Downtown Partners, Lutheran Family Services of Iowa, Lutheran Social Service and Siouxland Lutherans in Mission and Ministry. 

     Faith was the cornerstone of Larry’s life. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsburg, NE. He later joined Redeemer Lutheran Church, becoming an active and valued member. Over the years he held various positions on boards and committees within the church.

     His hobbies included golf, woodworking, watching sports, and playing cards with many dear friends over the years. He loved to support and attend local games for the Sioux City Explorers and Morningside Mustangs.  Traveling around the world with Jeanene and cruises with friends were fond memories.  Family gatherings and birthdays were things he never missed.

     Those left to honor his memory include son, Gregory & Linda Book of Sergeant Bluff, daughters Terresa Juhl of Estherville, IA, and Gina & Brian Tomoson of Sergeant Bluff.  Seven grandchildren; Mindy (Nate) Foulk of Sioux City, Nick (Leah) Book of Sioux City, Dustin (Jayme) Book of Sergeant Bluff, Brandy Juhl (Brian Jensen) of Estherville, IA, Matthew Juhl of Tea, SD, Shelby (Derek) Sherard of Marion, SD, and Bret (Ana) Tomoson of Bloomington, IL. Nine great-grandchildren; Noah, Chloe, Ella, Will, Bentley, Hailee, Hazel, Ada, and Everett, and sister-in-law Sallie Book of South Sioux City, NE.

     He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanene, parents, brothers Royal(infant), John, Lonny, sister Donna, brother-in-law Dean Johnson, and sister-in-law Maxine Book. 

     Memorials can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Good Shepard Hour, and Lutheran Hour ministry.