Larry Joseph Childs

Larry Joseph Childs, 82, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. He was born on May 20, 1942, on the family farm near Manchester, the son of Ross and Laura (Ridenour) Childs. Larry attended country school and was a 1961 graduate of Manchester High School. He was a member of the Iowa National Guard from 1964 to 1970.

On October 25, 1969, Larry was united in marriage to Diane Vette at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waverly. The couple raised two children together, and later gained a chosen daughter. Larry worked in construction and farmed for many years.

Larry enjoyed many outdoor activities. His true passion was snowmobiling. He once served as the president of the Iowa State Snowmobile Association. He was also a member of the International Snowmobile Congress. Larry enjoyed vacationing with friends and family. Above all else, Larry loved his family and spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Diane Childs of Manchester; three children, Keri (Richard Milroy, Jr.) Childs of Monticello, Scott Childs of Kettering, Ohio, and Jonica (Don) Tellin of Wadena; seven grandchildren, Rick Milroy III, Amanda (Matt) Goedken, Gabrielle Milroy, Brittney (Colton) Redig, Aubrey (Noah) Paris, Kimberly (Tyler) Durnan, and Andrea Paris; 12 great-grandchildren, Addison, Leah, Ben, Evelyn, Lillian, Madison, Allie, Cooper, Branden, Maria, Emma, and Charlie; two siblings, Jean (Steve) Rose and W. Verne (Linda) Childs; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Russell and Irene (Zubrod) Vette; brother, Francis Childs; sister, Virginia Childs; brother-in-law, George Vette; son-in-law, Garret Paris; and grandson, Branden Samuel.

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