Larry Dale Welker

Larry Dale Welker, of Iona, passed away unexpectedly at home in Iona, Idaho, on August 18, 2021.

Larry was born in Rexburg, Idaho, to Mary Ellen (Thornock) and Edward Dale Welker. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1962. In 1963, Larry married Sharon Lee Grubb. They were blessed with five daughters and one son, eventually making their home in Iona. Larry’s love for his wife was clear in his devotion and protectiveness of Sharon. They celebrated 58 years of marriage this month.

Larry worked for the Kirby Company for over 40 years doing small engine repair, and was most recently working for Ben’s Quality Cycle and Repair. Larry could fix anything, but his favorite projects were motorcycles. He took every spare moment to dirt bike and snowmobile, and passed his love and knowledge to several generations, most of all his son, Lonny. Larry’s favorite rides included the annual Poker Run and Moab. Wednesday nights were ride nights with grandson, Ben Coles. His favorite weekly activity was lunch with his friend, Bob Hudson.

Larry was an avid storyteller who was known to tolerate his children, dote on his grandchildren, and spoil his great grandchildren. He had a strong testimony of his Savior, and was an active member of the Iona 10th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon (Grubb); children, Tracy (Blake) Coles, Leslie (Ivan) Stockham, Lonny (Lara) Welker, Melanie (Mike) Gurgiolo, Sheri (Saul Resendez) Loveland, Tammy (Steve) Handly; siblings, Karen McComas, Shiela (Alfred, deceased) Judkins, Paul (Nancy) Welker, Lisa (Mike) Sutton; as well as 30 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Brenda (Dennis) Ellis; brother-in-law, David McComas; best friends, Herb Utter, Don Mendel, and Barry Cazier; Gordy and Annie, the beloved family doxies, awaited his arrival in heaven.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the Iona 10th Ward Building, 5169 Denning Avenue. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to a gofundme account for the Idaho Falls Trail Machine Association.