Larry Dale Gerch

Larry Dale Gerch, 64, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, after a two year long battle with Leukemia. He went home to be with the Lord, on Saturday, January 16, 2021.  A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Morningside Assembly of God.  Visitation will be Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  To view the prayer service online please click https://youtu.be/ycce_jRsdmY  Online condolences may be directed to meyerbroschapels.com.  

Larry was born the son of Larry and Lois (Stromquist) Gerch on May 9, 1956 in Oakland, Nebraska.  He started his school days inside a One Room Country Schoolhouse, later graduating from Bancroft High School.  A few of his high school highlights include receiving the infamous “Mr. Bulldog,” at Bancroft and being an “All Stater”, excelling in baseball and football. Active in band, Larry was a phenomenal drummer.  His talents did not go unrecognized, as he was recipient of the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award. 

Larry married the love his life, Annette Bock on September 2, 1978 in Sioux City, Iowa. The last 42 years have been a love story for the storybooks. When they dated, Larry would come to Sioux City for Taekwondo lessons and succeeded by earning his 2nd degree black belt. Larry was absolutely the best husband and father, and his three children Kelsey, Angie and Drew, will forever miss and cherish their loving Dad.  Their father who never missed anything. Their Dad who lead by faith and was their constant.  

 Larry was a sheet metal fabricator, and worked alongside his brother-in-law, Darrel Hope for over 26 years, helping each other run Custom Metal. It was truly a family business.  After the shop closed, he worked for Sioux Body Shop for the past 19 years.  

Larry’s pride and joy, and greatest accomplishment in life were his children and grandchildren.  He loved coaching his kids in all of their sports and shaping their character.  He will be fondly remembered for his humor, his Donald Duck voice, his poetry, and his ability to make others laugh and somehow lighten the mood even in his final days.  He was also a die-hard Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. He enjoyed his motorcycles throughout the years, including his first, a 1972 Honda 90 (that still runs today) which made many memories giving rides to his grandkids and nieces and nephews.

Larry was a long-time member of Morningside Assembly of God, and was not shy at proclaiming his faith, and let his light shine for all to see. He was a self-taught musician who used his musical gifts as a member of the worship team where he played drums.  He could also sing and play the harmonica.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's name may be directed to Morningside Assembly of God.

Larry is survived by his wife, Annette Gerch of Sioux City; children, Kelsey (Seth) Thornton of Sergeant Bluff, Angie (Sias) Walker of Sioux City, and Drew (Breanna) Gerch of Sioux City; grandchildren, Addalyn, Beau, Kari, Ayla, and Xyah; sisters, MaryAnn Redding, Karen Hope, Nancy (Galen) Petersen; and brother-in-law, Loren Schroeder.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother in infancy; sister, Judy Schroeder; nephew, Bryan Redding; and brothers-in-law, Clyde Olmscheid, Tom Redding, and Darrel Hope.