William Larry Birch Sr, 86, of Ottumwa passed peacefully at 7:30 p.m. March 9, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
He was born March 8, 1939 in Belle Plaine to Joseph Edward and Beulah Evelyn Jones Birch Sr.
Larry graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1957 where he excelled at basketball and football. He married Betty Jolane Shoemaker November 21, 1959 in Belle Plaine, and they later moved to Ottumwa where they would raise their three children. Larry had worked at Hormel and owned and operated Birch Auto Mart. In later years, he was in charge of bundle drops for the Ottumwa Courier.
Larry enjoyed traveling with his wife and attending their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved playing cards and going to casinos. Larry especially loved having his family around him. He lived life to the fullest which included many gatherings with family, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Larry was known for his humor, mischievous behavior and his laugh, all of which will be missed deeply but never forgotten.
Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Betty; their children, Julie Swartz (Tom Keck) of Agency, Kim (Paul) DeMoss of Pleasant Hill and Bill (Jan) Birch Jr. of Ottumwa; grandchildren, Steffanie (Mitch) Chance, Ashley Rottinghaus, Andrew Birch (Amber Collins), Makenzie (Jon) Rusch, Justin (Brandi) Birch Sr., Megan (Matt) Laban, Brian (Karissa) Keck and Dana (Adam) Doll; great-grandchildren, Trae Swartz, Mason Rottinghaus, Reese Rottinghaus, Kenzleigh Birch, Karigan Birch, Kooper Birch, Barrett Rusch, Adaline Rusch, Justin Birch Jr., Jaylee Birch, Josie Birch, Beckett Laban, Landyn Laban, Noah Keck, Leo Keck, Easson Doll, Blake Chance, Drew Chance, Gage Chance, Canaan Feagins and Piper Blair.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dean Birch, Joseph “Ping” Birch Jr., and Rick Birch; and sisters, Dolores Mann and Audrey Holland.
His body has been cremated. Graveside services and inurnment will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29th at Shaul Cemetery with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. A time to further celebrate his life will follow from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Ottumwa Golf and Social Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to IHCC Foundation or Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
