Larry Eugene Christian, age 80, died at his home in Nevada from complications of Brain Cancer and Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD).

Larry was born on May 23, 1943 on a farm south of Roland to Leonard and Esther (Hemnes) Christian. Larry graduated from Roland Community School in 1961 and went off to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls for 2 years. On May 23, 1964, he married Nancy Bergeson at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. Larry managed 2 Holiday gas stations in Des Moines. In 1967 they moved to Roland where Larry had his own Standard Oil tank wagon service, which he delivered gas/diesel fuel, mostly to farmers in the Roland, Story City and Nevada area until 1976. In September 1973 they moved to an acreage south of Nevada, where they still live, when Larry passed away. Larry worked at Ryerson's Implement in Nevada as a lawn mower mechanic in the late 1970's. In 1981 Larry began as a driving salesman across several counties in Central Iowa, selling auto body parts for JA Bumper Exchange. The business was bought out by NorthStar Bumper and then Keystone Inc when he retired in 2008. Every morning, while driving for JA Bumper Exchange, he would stop in town at the gas station and pick up 2 packages of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and a cup of coffee – that was the only thing he ate all day until he came home for supper. He continued that tradition until a few days before he passed away.

He enjoyed spending time with his family & friends, bowling, camping, watching car races, going to the Indy 500 races, playing cards and camping with Ron and LeAnn Klemme at the Iowa State Fair. Larry & Nancy went to the Iowa State Fair EVERY year from 1984 until he couldn't go anymore, so 2021 was his last year there. Larry and Nancy also loved spending their time with their special friends Al & Charlotte Klein going on camping trips near and far, going to the casinos, betting on the horses, country western dancing & playing cards.

Larry is survived by his wife Nancy of Nevada IA, sons Brent (Diane) of Ames IA, Brad (Julie) of Byron Illinois and daughter Stephanie (Mike) Anderson of Nevada, IA. Grandchildren Michael Anderson of Nevada, IA, Tali (Todd) Paicuruch of Reunion Colorado, Nic Christian of Byron IL, Natalie (Tyler) Hankins of Mount Morris IL, Ryer Christian of Byron IL. Great-Granddaughters Maci Anderson of Nevada IA and Kyra Paicuruch of Reunion Colorado.

Larry was preceded in death by an infant sister, infant brother, his parents and his grandson Thomas Anderson.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the family and they will evenly distribute it between each of the following foundations

BDSRA.ORG (Battens Disease) and Suncrest Hospice.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Rasmusson Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Parkway) in Nevada, Iowa.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.