Larry Schwab

Mr. Larry Allen Schwab, age 85, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born August 12, 1941, in Exira, Iowa, to Floyd Arnold Schwab and Mildred Marie (Lauridsen) Schwab. The oldest of three children, Larry grew up with his sisters, Marcia and Carol, on the family farm south of Brayton, Iowa.

In his early years, Larry attended country school, graduating at the top of his class — he was also the only one in the class! Then, he graduated from Exira High School in 1959 and began working at J&M Implements in Exira.

On May 28, 1961, Larry married Marlene Ann Elsberry, beginning a marriage that would span 65 years. The two recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

In 1961, the couple moved to Brayton, where he and his father operated a gas station. They later moved to Omaha and worked for Brandeis department stores. While living in Omaha, Larry belonged to the Omaha Camera Club and cultivated a lifelong passion for photography. Over the years, he photographed many weddings and special occasions.

Eventually, the farm boy in Larry brought him back to Iowa. He and his family lived in Adair, where Larry worked for Standard Oil, before moving to the Atlantic area in 1971, where they would make their home for the remainder of his life.

Larry worked for Pelgas and, during that time, survived a serious accident in which he was severely burned, requiring months of hospitalization and recovery. He later joined Lloyd and Meredith, eventually becoming a part owner of the business. He remained there until his retirement in 2000.

Retirement gave Larry and Marlene the opportunity to travel and enjoy life together. Among their adventures was a memorable trip to Alaska. They also spent many winters in Alamo, Texas, where they developed lifelong friendships. It was in Texas that Larry took up wood carving and created many beautiful pieces with his hands.

Larry and Marlene were blessed with three sons: John Allen, Robert Lee and David Linn. Their family continued to grow to include 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Larry took much pride in his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren's sporting events. He was a faithful presence in the stands and liked watching them compete.

An avid sports fan, Larry enthusiastically followed the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Indiana Fever. He also enjoyed telling jokes, shooting pool, and playing cards, with cribbage being a particular favorite.

Larry was also a longtime and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, where he generously gave his time and talents to the church community. Over the years, he held various offices and served on numerous committees.

Larry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene; his sons, John Schwab (Kristin Niklawski), Robert “Bob” Schwab (Cindy), and David Schwab (Betsy); grandchildren, Bryn Giammanco (Michael), Brandt Schwab, Amanda Harter (Preston), Wayne Schwab, Tabitha Crawley (James), Tyler Schwab, Molly Day (Morgan), Mason McFadden, Ethan Schwab and Jacob Schwab; and many great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Lowers; and in-laws, Al and Sherry Kramer, Eleanor Elsberry, Merle Elsberry and Leah Peters, and Bud and Mary Korver.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mildred Schwab; his sister, Carol Kramer; nephew, Michael Elsberry; and in-laws, Virgil and Sally Elsberry, Rich Lowers, Wayne Elsberry, Kelly and Barbara Kallesen, and Maggie Elsberry.

Larry’s life was rooted in family, hard work, and the simple things he enjoyed most — photography, traveling, woodworking, sports, and, above all, time spent with the people he loved. His 65-year marriage to Marlene, the family they built together, and the many friendships he made along the way are lasting parts of his legacy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 05, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, IA, with Rev. Kyle McBee officiating the service. A luncheon will be held immediately following the memorial service in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

Public visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday.

Interment will be held at a later date in Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Schwab Family to be designated at a later date in Larry's memory. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is entrusted with the arrangements.