Larry Gene Schaa, age 75 of Lytton, IA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 04, 2020, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA, after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Larry was born on September 25, 1944, in Sibley, IA, to parents Vernon and Katherine (Grotluschen) Schaa. He was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hartley, IA. He attended Melvin Community School graduating with the class of 1963.
Following graduation, Larry was inducted into the United States Army on May 25, 1965, serving during the Vietnam War; stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged May 24, 1971. He attended NWICC in Sheldon, IA, graduating in June of 1969.
On August 18, 1967, Larry was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Donna Dau in Hartley, IA. They made their home in Lytton, IA, and were blessed with two daughters, Traci and Nicole. He loved spending time with his family, telling jokes and attending his grandchildren’s ball games. Larry liked to save money, but when it came to his grandkids he’d give them the shirt off his back.
Larry worked at several different occupations: Power Lineman, Nobles Manufacturing, Lytton Elevator, LP Truck driver/service tech, and caretaker for Grodahl Apartments. He retired in 2005. What Larry enjoyed most was being outdoors, hunting pheasants and turkeys, fishing, watching NASCAR races, and tinkering around the house. He was always lending a helping hand for his elderly neighbors and enjoyed looking for used cars. In his younger years, Larry’s weekends were spent constructing decks, taking out walls, and electrical work. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. If he didn’t know how to do something, he’d figure it out. More than anything, his time with his family meant the world to him.
Larry was a member of the Lytton Fire Department and Lake View Fire Department and also the Lytton Booster Club helping construct the play equipment for the park.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Donna Schaa of Lytton; daughters: Traci (Tim) Dillivan of Grant City, MO, and Nicole (Jay) Layman of Sioux City, IA; ten grandchildren: Caleb (Leah) Luckow, Jordan Luckow, Quin (Kindy) Bruns, Amiah Manning, Jake Layman, Violet Layman, Majok Majouk all of Sioux City, Jeremiah Khat of Mankato, MN, Brianna Dillivan of Blue Springs, MO, and Brayden Dillivan of Albany, MO: three great-grandchildren: Hazel Christians, Lily Christians, and Gabe Christians. Other survivors include his brothers: Jim “Vernon” (Linda) Schaa of Yankton, SD, and Wayne Schaa of Hartley, IA; his sister Peggy Schaa of Chandler, AZ; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Vernon “Shorty” Schaa and Katherine Schaa; and sister-in-law Jeanne Schaa.
Larry’s family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice and the healthcare team at Loring Hospital in Sac City for the wonderful care given to Larry during the end stages of his life.
