Everyone who knew Larry Van Klaveren knew him as an exceptionally kind, loving, gentle, and
peaceful man who deeply loved his family. His loyalty and devotion to those he cared about
never wavered. Larry was never happier than when he was surrounded by his immediate and
extended family. He passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, after a long battle with
Parkinson’s disease.

As a small child, Larry walked to Prine Country School, a one-room schoolhouse where, as he
liked to say, he was at the top of his class from kindergarten through eighth grade…because he
was the only one in his class.

Larry met June, his wife of 58 years, when he was 13 years old after his family moved to rural
Jefferson County, Iowa. They attended Packwood Christian Church with June’s family and sat
side by side in the same pew every Sunday. It wasn’t until their college years that they began
dating and were married on February 3, 1968. They both graduated from Iowa Wesleyan
College.

During high school and college, Larry worked at Hy-Vee grocery store. A natural shopper, he
spent much of his career working in retail. In fact, he was still shopping just two days before he
passed away. Larry also spent several years as a member of the Customer Care team at AAA.
Health and fitness were important to him. He enjoyed going to the gym and believed strongly in
taking care of his body through discipline and effort. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s had other plans.
Larry’s children, Allison and Paul, were the loves of his life, and there was nothing he wouldn’t
do for them. He also loved his dogs and was responsible for more than a few of them becoming
slightly overweight thanks to the extra treats he slipped them.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Arlene Van Klaveren; his sister, Sharon
Palmer; and his grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, June; his niece, Angie Palmer; his nephew, Jason Palmer; his niece,
Shannon Weigel; his nephew, Eric Weigel; his brother-in-law Dennis Palmer, six grandnieces
and grandnephews; and his grandson, Sgt. Matthew Winters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026, at Manchester United
Methodist Church, 129 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, Missouri.

In Larry’s memory, donations may be made to the Worship Arts Endowment at Manchester
United Methodist Church or to the Missouri Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease
Association, 16100 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017

https://manchesterumc.org/

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/missouri/mo-ways-to-give/donate-2/

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his love of family, and perhaps by a few well-
loved dogs who never quite forgot the extra treats.