Larry Eugene Bailey

BAILEY, FREITAG, ELLINGSWORTH, RANKIN

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/6/2026 at 07:07:43

Larry Eugene Bailey, 86, of West Branch, passed away on February 6, 2026, at home, with Peggy by his side. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1-3 PM, Friday, February 13, 2026, at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to West Branch Fire Department.

Larry was born on September 21, 1939, in Burlington, Iowa, to Vera and Forrest Bailey. He lived a life full of adventure, curiosity, and love. Larry attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering, working on the railroad to put himself through college. He married Peggy Lynn Freitag on September 18, 1960.

Larry began his professional career in Detroit, working at Wyandotte Chemical, where he and Peggy welcomed their children, Eric and Kari. The family later returned to Iowa, where Larry played a pivotal role in the development and success of Sheller-Globe’s urethane foam division. He went on to co-found PURethane—his hallmark professional achievement—where his son Eric worked alongside him. Later, Larry also founded Verest Manufacturing.

Larry’s work took him around the world, with travels to Germany, Japan, Italy, England, and France. He also formed a lifelong pen-pal friendship with Tomanori Matsuda of Japan.

Larry and Peg lived life fully together. Larry was deeply involved in his community, serving as a 4-H leader, teaching preschool Sunday school at Iowa City Trinity Church, and serving as president of the Old Capitol Doll Club. During what they fondly called their “second childhood,” Larry and Peg traveled to shows and collected antique dolls, becoming well known throughout the doll hobby community.

Larry was an active member of the Iowa City Aerohawks RC Flying Club, where he built and flew his own radio-controlled planes. He especially cherished hunting and fishing with his son, Eric. In his youth, Larry shared a close bond with his cousins—David Ellingsworth, Forrest Kent Ellingsworth, and the late Carl Rankin and Gary Bailey—who were like brothers to him.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 66 years, Peggy; his daughter, Kari Freitag (Steve); his daughter-in-law, Machelle, wife of his late son Eric; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four nephews.

His legacy is one of love, family, dedication, and a life fully lived.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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