Lawrence Jirak
February 11, 1939 ~ March 26, 2016
Lawrence C. “Larry” Jirak age 77 of Lawler, IA, died Saturday, March 26, 2016, at the Winneshiek Medical Center, in Decorah.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2016, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler with Rev. Nick March celebrating the Mass. Lectors for the service will be Nancy Upmeyer and Gladys Hruska. Presenting the offertory gifts will be grandchildren, Kelli Jirak, Elsie Jenkinson and Asher Jirak.
Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery – Reilly Ridge, rural Lawler with Craig Jirak, Marty Jirak, Debbie Jirak, Brandi Jenkinson, Ryann Jenkinson and Kori Jirak as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler where there will be a 7:45 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.
Arrangements are with Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Lawler.
Lawrence Clarence “Larry” Jirak was born February 11, 1939, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Clarence and Viola (Cervenka) Jirak. He received his education in the Utica #4 country school and was a 1956 graduate of the New Hampton High School. As a young man, he began working on the farm for his father and grandfather. On June 6, 1962, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, he married Edna Langreck. To this union two children were born and in 1971 and 1973, the couple adopted Laura and Chris respectively. Larry and Edna farmed and fed-out cattle their entire married life. He also sold Pioneer Seed Corn for over 43 years and was a co-leader for the local 4-H for over 10 years. Larry was in addition, a director at the Sacred Heart Cemetery for over 40 years.
Larry and Edna traveled the world together, and with other couples, to many points in the world, including Europe, New Zealand, Ireland and Australia. He loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with his buddies for over 20 years. Larry enjoyed playing cards and bowling, having one perfect 300 game. He especially loved time with his grandchildren, skiing, biking and canoeing.
Survivors include his wife, Edna; two sons, Jeff (Cindy) Jirak of Lawler, Chris Jirak of New Hampton; one daughter, Laura (Austin Otto) Jenkinson of Dennison; nine grandchildren, Craig Jirak, Marty Jirak, Debbie Jirak, Brandi Jenkinson, Ryann Jenkinson, Elsie Jenkinson, Kori Jirak, Kelli Jirak, and Asher Jirak; 2 step-grandchildren, Elsie Otto and Wynn Otto; one brother, Dave Jirak of Lawler; two sisters, Yvonne Sadler of Madison, WI, Janell Jirak of Minneapolis; his right-hand-man for over 23 years, Scott (Carrie) Bohaty of New Hampton; three exchange students, Henk Kuiper of The Netherlands, Alfredo Bouza of Spain, Rodrigo Naves of Brazil.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah in 1969, his parents, one sister, Geraldine Tigges.
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Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services created a video in memory of Lawrence C. Jirak
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Jirak family.
Dear Edna and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss as we were traveling back from AZ. Wish we were home for the funeral but are sending our deepest sympathy. We just came home and hear of Larry’s funeral. Wish we had made it home sooner. Let us know if we can help in any way. We’re here for you and your family. Allen and LuAnn Borlaug
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris, and family, Deepest sympathies to all of you during this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Larry was a very kind, generous, fun-loving man. He loved a good joke and playing cards. I have many memories of our families and extended families getting together and there was always a lot of laughter. I am very grateful of the friendship that was shared with my parents, especially the many decades for Larry and Dad. They shared much during their time on the Ridge growing up. They would rib each other, but there was always love and a mutual respect shown. It was a wonderful thing to witness. Mom and Dad fondly remember your trip to Ireland. It had me thinking…an Irishman and a Bohemian walk into a pub… Love to you all, Michele(Carlin), Tim, Jonathan, and Megan Sailstad
Our Sympathy to the Jirak family. Larry was a kink and caring gentleman Art & Rosie Stika
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and Jirak family, As I wrote in the mail, I’ll be thinking of you today, and I’ll remember Larry as my wonderfull American dad with great sympathy!. Henk Kuiper, Exchange student from The Netherlands (1980-1981)
Edna and family, Our condolences to you all. I once was able to make it on one of those fishing trips to Canada with my father Gary, and had the privilege of spending a day in the boat with Larry. At the time I was 13, so there was a bit of a gap in age, but we managed to catch some fish, but most importantly we had a good time. All week Larry showed me respect and treated me like one of the guys. He is a good man and I will always remember that trip and Larry.
Beautiful Dreams was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
So sorry for your loss, Jirak family! :heart:
Health Nut Basket was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
Tender Tribute was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
My grandparents, father, mother, uncle, aunt and my siblings cherish the memories knowing the Jirak family. He was a kind and generous man. We lived in the Carlin homestead close to the his neighboring farm as young children. They also rest in peace in the Sacred Heart cemetery. I am praying for all of you. John D. Carlin, son of John E. and Ann Carlin .
R. I. P. LARRY. I GREAT MAN ALWAYS A SMILE. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. TIM & CINDY HOWLAND & TIM THE MUSIC MAN PROTIVIN IOWA.
TIM & CINDY HOWLAND lit a candle in memory of Lawrence C. Jirak
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
Sympathy from Myron and Mary Myers. God’s comfort and peace to Edna and the family. It will be a LONG difficult weekend–of hugs, tears, memories, and maybe some laughter. Again, sympathy
Edna and family, So sorry for your loss. May God show you His love and strength at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to the Jirak family. I can’t tell you how many 4-H cattle Larry bought and fed until they were ready for market, often being the only person to bid on that kid’s calf and make sure it sold. He always laughed at my jokes, too, even though he probably heard them before and often added something to them that actually made them funny. He was generous and kind to the youth in the community, and will live on in my heart and deeds.
My heart goes out to Edna and the Jirak family. Larry will surely be missed by countless family and friends near and far. I will always remember his big smile and great sense of humor. God bless and keep each of you. Sincerely, Gina Jirak.
Dad and Charlie have the cards ready. You are in my prayers,Edna. So glad you have your family close. Riley Ridge will always be special for me.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
Larry and Edna have always been there for our family in the best of times and most notably the worst worst of times. I feel that Larry is being reunited with old friends and making new ones with his quick wit. Larry was known to be very generous to his rock pickers and hay balers and we always loved to work for him. I was always happy to see him and get his latest insights….I will miss you Larry.. .Edna, Jeff, Laura, and Chris y’all have my deepest sympathy. David Kriener
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Lawrence C. Jirak.
I was fortunate enough to know Larry the last eight years or so. Fine man with a fine family, and my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this time of grief. When leaving Larry & Edna’s home after a visit, Larry would often use a good-bye phrase I’m sure he used with many: ‘Glad you could get to see me again Jim!’. I look forward to one day seeing Larry in Heaven, and hearing those wonderful and humorous words once again, forever. Best Always, Jim Birkel, Pleasant Hill, IA.
Edna and family, you have our deepest sympathy.
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and family. My deepest sympathy to each of you! My older brother and I grew up with Larry, along with our Carlin cousins of New Hampton. We have been friends since early childhood. Larry was the finest of the finest! He was a kind, considerate and caring individual loved by many. It is consoling to know that he will never suffer again, and will enjoy his heavenly reward for eternity! My thoughts and prayers for your family!! Mary Carlin, Dallas, Texas
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and families. Those we hold most dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives. Larry touched so many lives. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. Dan & Linda Kriener and family.
Thinking of you during this difficult time, keeping your families in our thoughts and prayers. Kari & Kennedy Huffman, Kathi, Jeff & Sheridan Johnston
MARGE & DAVE MAYO lit a candle in memory of Lawrence C. Jirak
Larry was a great man and will be missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. Our deepest condolences to Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and the whole family. – The Mike Blazek family
Edna and family, so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. You are in my prayers.
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and families, we are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We have many great memories of times we were together at the Chickasaw County 4-H Fairs and other activities. Larry is at rest now and pain free. You have our deepest sympathy. Connie Strom, Julie Strom Hendrickson, and David Strom
My deepest sympathy to you, Edna, Jeff, Laura, and Chris, and to your loved ones. My heart goes out to all of you during this great loss. Larry was a truly wonderful and gentle man with a giving heart and a joyful way about him. He was a dear friend to my Dad and Mom, and I am grateful for all of the kindness and generosity that he showed to our family. With loving kindness, I hope that you find comfort in knowing that he surely rests in peace. Take good care…
Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to the entire Family. Your in our Prayers and Toughts during your time of Loss of Loved One. Lyn Bruns and Jack Meissen
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and families…..thoughts and prayers with all of you at this time of loss. Hold tight to all your memories and keep each other close. Thinking of you all.
Very sorry! Thinking about you ALL! May he Rest in Peace!
My heart goes out to you all – Edna, Laura, Chris, and Jeff! Larry was always like a special uncle to me and always made Gregg feel welcome. We loved stopping by for a chat when we were in the area… May Larry rest in peace. I’m sure there will be card games and steak dinners when he rejoins former neighbors in heaven!
Edna. Jeff. Laura, Chris and families, Thoughts and prayers for you all in this time of loss. Larry was a great man and fun loving. Always giving everybody a hard time with a great laugh to go with it. Hugs to you all. Sharon Dreckman-Zeien
Edna, Jeff, Laura, Chris and your families, Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. It makes me smile thinking about any time I saw Larry we always gave each other such a hard time about anything and everything! :). Such a special person! Robin Maher
How very sad to hear of Larry’s death. The community has lost one of its very best. Larry was so well thought of by everyone who knew him and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ron and Joyce Swestka.
Edna,Jeff,Laura,Chris &Families: Larry was one of my most favorite Uncles his Laugh would lite up any event…going to miss it and him …God bless and prayers to all…
Edna and family, These next few days are not easy but cherish the great memories you have with family and friends Your in our thoughts and prayers.
We will miss you at the bowling alley, Larry. You and Skeeter were always joking. Have a good time together in heaven and bowl another 300 game !!!