JOENS, Larry L. 1943-2017

JOENS, BREMER, BOWERS, SPIEGEL, OWEN

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 6/12/2017 at 10:55:57

Larry L. "Joensy" Joens

Died: April 11, 2017

Services:
Saturday, April 15, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls

Visitation:
Friday, April 14, 2017 at Locke Funeral Home

Cemetery:
Garden of Memories Cemetery
Waterloo, Iowa

Memorials:
St. John's Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls or to the family

Biography--

Larry L. Joens, 73, of Waterloo, Iowa, died at home Tuesday, April 11, 2017, of complications from cancer.

He was born on December 13, 1943, in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Leona Bremer Joens. He married Sandra Bowers in 1961; they later divorced. He then married Nanette Spiegel Owen in 1976.

Larry attended Longfellow elementary, Logan Junior High School and graduated from East High School in 1962. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1967. He was a teacher and coach for over 40 years in the Waterloo Community School District; teaching at Bunger, East High School, Irving Elementary and West Middle School. He taught PE, driver’s education and math. Currently, Larry was working at Locke Funeral Home.

He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. Larry looked forward to his bible study groups and the mission trips with his Church family. Larry had a big heart. He was very patient which you would have to be to teach driver’s education.

Larry was a bit of a jokester and could tease relentlessly. He truly was one of a kind and had helped many people through the years. Larry loved and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his school years and after in leagues and church teams. Larry’s “Gentle giant” demeanor enabled him to connect and engage with his students over his years as an educator and coach.

He is survived by his wife Nanette; a son, Bryan (Peggy) of Waterloo; a daughter, Brenda (Steve) Everman of Hampton; three stepsons: Nick Owen of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Paul (Amy) Owen of Cedar Rapids and Andrew (Kwyn) Owen of Dubuque; a stepdaughter, Heidi (Mark) Sanman of Las Vegas; 14 grandchildren, Kelli Joens, Lindsey Joens, Nick Joens, Morgan (Andy) Thurman, Mason (Mikayla Whitney) Everman, Neal (Valerie Brown) Owen, Rachael Sanman, Julia Sanman, Jenna, Jordan and Katelyn Owen, Seth, and Alyssa Owen; seven great-grandchildren, Shawn, Kyle, Trevor, Gabe and Grace Owen, Vincent and Imogen Thurman; three brothers, David (Donna) of Cedar Falls, Bob (Bobbie) of La Porte City and Ken (Maurine) of Portal, Ariz.; a sister, Carol (Larry) Chapman of New Hartford; a brother-in-law, Reed (Marlys) Spiegel of Lancaster, Penn.; and a sister-in-law, Gloria Spiegel of Waterloo; and many nieces, nephews and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kent and Kate Spiegel.

Source: Locke Funeral Home website