He was born February 7, 1947, in San Angelo, to loving parents Norman and Cora (Wilde) Dierschke. He spent all of his life in the Wall Community and was a lifetime member of the Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. He prepared countless to-go meals during many Fall Festivals.
He made his home less than a mile from his parent's house and was always ready to do things for them. A memorable story involved his taking Papa deer hunting and ended up with Larry pulling thorns from his father's backside. What happened is a long story.
Larry was the middle son of five. And that was a challenge all its own. While he was not inclined to sports in high school, that did not diminish his capabilities. He was stronger than any of his brothers. As a brother he was very loyal and gentle, but he was a fierce defender when the need arose.
He did his share of work around the farm though he was dangerous with a cotton hoe--another long story.
Larry went through his "hot rod" fascination building race cars like his pride and joy, a '55 Chevy named the Blue Bomber. He was constantly combing his "DA" hair style. Just imagine the movie, Grease.
He would exhibit his athletic prowess in softball. For years, Big O as he was known, along with his brothers and friend, Reggie Williams, terrorized softball diamonds across the region.
Larry was at heart a builder. He built most everything: houses, carports, barns. It was common to see him gleefully walking across rafters carrying a sheet of plywood, a nail gun, and a cigarette.
Larry was always looking for the next big thing; his pot of gold. He found something more valuable than gold in his wife, Donna. For better or for worse, richer or poorer, through sickness and health, til death do they part were not just idle words for Larry and Donna. They lived them.
Ultimately, what he was proudest to have built was his loving family who will far outlast any house that he built.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Cora.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, and children, Julie and Larry Jewell, Kevin and Tina Dierschke, Dustin and Ashley Dierschke, Kayla and Mark Smith, and Jason and Jennifer Hunnicutt; grandchildren, Lauren and Michael, Holly, Shelby, Lacey, Kelsey, and Bryce, Dillon, Mason, and Logan, Emily and husband Chanse, Kaelob, Brayden, Abigail, Halle, and Connor, Ashley, Kalyn, and Derek; and one great grandchild, Joshua; and his brothers Kenneth and wife Binnie, Norman and wife Linda, Glenn and wife Margo, and Robert and wife Cindy.
The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bensilma, Shannon Home Health, and Saint Gabriel’s Hospice for all the care they provided during his courageous final months.
Visitation will be at Johnson’s Funeral Home from 6 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 Mass of Christian burial will be at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 10 AM with burial to follow at St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Dierschke family.
