ABEL, Larry D. 1944-2017

ABEL, THORSON, PURVIS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/25/2024 at 10:15:42

February 8, 1944 - November 8, 2017

Obituary for Larry D Abel

Larry Dean Abel, son of Marvin Dean and Ruth Elaine (Thorson) Abel, was born February 8, 1944 in Corydon, Iowa. Larry grew up Wayne County, Iowa where he attended Humeston School for 6 years before moving to Allerton, Iowa where he graduated from ACL High School in 1962. He continued his education at Indian Hills Community College and Northwest Missouri State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

On July 22, 1967, Larry married Catherine Elaine Purvis in Centerville, Iowa. Larry and Elaine moved to Conrad, Iowa, where Larry taught health and physical education and was the head football and track coach and assistant basketball coach at BCL High School. Larry held other teaching and coaching positions at Waukon and Ackley, Iowa.

In 1985, he earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from UNI and accepted a position at Arnolds Park, Iowa serving as the 5 – 12 principal and athletic director. In 1987, Larry and Elaine moved to Riceville where he served as the high school principal for 14 years, retiring in 2001.

Larry loved his family, career, fishing, hunting and the Hawkeyes. He will be remembered as a committed husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated teacher and coach. One who truly cared for kids and their well-being. Faith, family, friends, and community were very important to him.

Larry is survived by his wife, Elaine of Riceville, his children Todd (Rise’) Abel and Brian (LeAndrea) Abel; grandsons: Acea (Kellie) Spiegeler, Joshua Abel, and David Clapp-Abel; a great-granddaughter Constance; step great-grandchildren Alexis, Alex, Aydan, and Annabelle. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Constance Elaine Spiegeler, and a brother Lyle Richard Abel.

Success – It’s not just what you accomplish in life – it’s how you inspire others.

SOURCE: Lindstrom Funeral Home website