Larry Geno peacefully passed away at his home in Kalona August 1, 2026, with his loving wife, Laura, at his bedside.
Larry LaVerne Geno was born September 10, 1954, in Waukon, Iowa, to parents LaVerne Geno and Anna Mae (Schlitter) Geno. Larry attended elementary school in Waukon, then later attended Postville Schools, graduating with the PHS Class of 1973. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1973, attending training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, followed by Automatic Tracking Radar Repairman training at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1989 Larry received his bachelor’s degree from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. His primary occupation was quality manager for manufacturing facilities in Iowa and Minnesota before retiring to Kalona, Iowa, in 2021.
In July 1974, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Laura (Walby) at the Frankville Presbyterian Church, Frankville, Iowa. His greatest joy was his four children and three granddaughters. Larry and Laura enjoyed planning semi-annual Grandpa and Grandma “camps” with their granddaughters. They hosted numerous international students from Luther College, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Iowa, making many close friendships. They traveled to over two dozen different countries.
In retirement, Larry wore many hats in his volunteering, including the Kalona Historical Village, VFW Post 6414 in Riverside, Kalona Optimists, the Veterans Administration Health Care in Iowa City, and City of Kalona committees. Larry’s many hobbies included private pilot flying, riding his motorcycle, reading and expanding his knowledge, and home building projects and repairs.
While in the Air Force, Larry was stationed for three years at a Strategic Air Command Duty Station in Holbrook, Arizona, and 20 years in the Army Reserves at the 389th Engineering Battalion Combat Heavy (Bravo Company) in Decorah, with Headquarters in Dubuque, and Alpha Company in Iowa City. In 2003-2004, he was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq with Operation Enduring Freedom as a Battalion Operations Construction Inspector. Larry received numerous awards and recognition during his military career, including the Bronze Star medal, Meritorious Service medal at retirement, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Larry took pride in the humanitarian projects his unit completed in Central America, building roads, schools, and bridges. His ending rank was Sargent First Class.
He is survived by his wife: Laura; one daughter: Angela Geno-Stumme (Thomas) of West Des Moines; three sons: Joshua (Carrie Hupp) of Wellman, Micah of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Zachariah of St. Paul; three granddaughters: Laurelin Geno of Wellman, Gabrielle Geno of Wellman, and Kai Geno-Stumme of West Des Moines; two brothers: Joe Geno (Deb) of Lansing, Iowa, and Gene Geno of Postville; and a sister: LuAnn Looney of Decorah.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents.
Beatty & Peterseim Funeral & Monument Services of Kalona assisted the family with the arrangements.
Memorial services will be held at a later date and will be announced.
