Lawrence Wayne Book

Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Book, age 91, of Perry, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Eden Acres Campus of Perry Lutheran Homes. He left this world the way he lived in it—peaceful, steady, and kind.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel (1721 Park Street, Perry, IA), from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Perry. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a designation at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Larry was born on September 16, 1934, on the family farm near Minburn, Iowa, to J. Wayne and Mary (Kautzky) Book. He graduated from Washington Township Consolidated School in 1952 and later attended business school. Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany as a lineman during postwar reconstruction—restoring power lines and, by all accounts, conducting a little “research” at the local Brauhaus in his off hours.

On August 4, 1979, he married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Kulla, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. With this union, Larry took on his favorite role—becoming a devoted husband and father to Stacie, David, and Kellie. From that day forward, family was his proudest title and his greatest joy.

A man of deep faith and integrity, Larry was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and an active Knight of Columbus. He believed that a good life was built on helping others, and he proved it through his decades of volunteer work and quiet generosity.

Larry was an entrepreneur through and through. He spent 33 years with Armstrong Tire Company (later Pirelli) before “retiring”—a term he used loosely, as he continued taking on projects and starting new ventures. Together with Shirley, he owned and operated several Panora-based businesses over the years, including The West Inn Dinner, a beloved bar and restaurant, The Square Inn restaurant, an exercise business, a lawn care company, and S&L Water Company. His tireless work ethic and friendly personality made each business feel like home to everyone who walked through the door.

Larry took great pride in having built one of the first homes on Lake Panorama—before the lake was filled—proof of his optimism, foresight, or maybe just his stubborn faith in the future.

When he wasn’t working, Larry was happiest outdoors—hunting, fishing, or lending a hand during harvest season on his brother’s farm. He was a loyal Iowa State Cyclones fan, even when it tested his faith, and a lifelong lover of animals, especially his faithful dog, Skeeter.

Larry’s life was a masterclass in generosity, grit, and good humor. He believed in hard work, faith, and keeping a loyal dog by his side. His legacy is written in the lives he touched, the laughter he sparked, and the countless ways he quietly made the world better.

Larry is survived by his children: Stacie (Loren) Hayes-McIntire of Perry, David (Heather Moore) Crooks of Perry, and Kellie (Tom) Book Flanery of Panora; grandchildren: Ashley Oliver, Chad Oliver, Grace Hayes-Fulkerson, Conor Flanery, Jasmarie Flanery, Georgia Flanery, Coriander Morales, and Raymond Woodall; and 12 great-grandchildren who adored their “Grandpa Larry.” He is also survived by siblings: Marie Vranich, Rita Reves, and David (Kathy) Book; sisters-in-law: Alice Book, Sheila Nagel, Sherry Porter, and Sharlene (Alan) Staskal; and brother-in-law: David (Michelle) Kulla; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his cherished dog, Skeeter; brothers: Joseph, Edward, and Philip Book; sister: Cecelia Gaudineer; sisters-in-law: Yvonne Book, Sharon Book, Sheryl Palmer, and Sharon Easter; and brothers-in-law: William Vranich, James Reves, Jary Gaudineer, and Steven Porter.

Though his hands have finally rested, Larry’s love, laughter, and lessons will live on—in his family, his community, and every quiet act of kindness inspired by his example.