Obituary of Lanny DeYoung

Lanny Lon DeYoung was born in Melvin, Iowa, on August 12, 1950, to parents John E. and Irene J. (Jacobsma) DeYoung. In his early years in Melvin, Lanny enjoyed playing baseball, bow hunting, fishing, and could be found from time to time at the Melvin Locker watching the local butcher prepare meats and other products for his customers. Upon his graduation from Melvin High School in 1968, Lanny worked with his father in the family painting business until obtaining employment with the Melvin Locker in 1972. In 1975, Lanny married JoAnn Henderson at the First Christian Church in Spencer, Iowa. In that same year, Lanny purchased the Melvin Locker, which he owned for 23 years. In 1993, Lanny was recognized by the Melvin Area Development Corporation as its “Business of the Month” for his service to his customers and the Melvin Community. Upon selling the business in 1999, Lanny was employed by Spencer Municipal Utilities until his retirement in November of 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene DeYoung, and his in-laws Wallace and Wilma (Anderson) Henderson. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, his three children, Jennifer, Aaron, and Martha, and his dog, Gracie. Jennifer and her husband, Jim Conard, now reside in North Liberty, Iowa; Aaron resides in Denver, Colorado, and Martha resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Lanny is also survived by his brother Terry L. DeYoung (wife Peggy) of Park Rapids, MN, his sister, Vicki J. Perry (husband Denny) of Spirit Lake, Iowa, niece Sara Kovach (family Garret, Emma, and Jack) of Post Falls, Idaho, nephew Tim DeYoung of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and sister-in-law Martha Henderson of Sun City, Arizona. Lanny’s enjoyment of sports and hunting continued in his adult years as he participated in church league softball and coached each of his children’s youth league baseball or softball teams. Lanny also enjoyed painting homes, and operated a side business called DeYoung Designs. While owning the Melvin Locker, Lanny continued his education by taking classes on nights and weekends at Iowa Lakes Community College. He also continued to be active in his church, serving as a deacon and on several church committees. In May of 2011, Lanny was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. His diagnosis came shortly after the death of one Lanny’s heroes, Minnesota Twins baseball legend Harmon Killebrew. Always known to have a great sense of humor and a light spirit, Lanny chose to inform some family and friends of his condition by saying, “I guess I might have the chance to play catch with Harmon soon”. Lanny’s passion for baseball, hunting, and his business were all secondary to the passion he consistently exhibited for his family. He was extremely proud of his children’s successes in athletics, drama, and school, and could be frequently found attending such activities in their high school and college years. Lanny’s love for each of his children, his strength, and his determination were all epitomized as he joined his wife, children, and his entire family at the wedding of his daughter, Jennifer, on May 5, 2012, well beyond the expectations of his care givers. In his final days, Lanny was together with numerous family and friends, before finally choosing to go play catch with Harmon Killebrew on May 6, 2012. Celebrating the life of Lanny L. DeYoung Born ~ August 12, 1950 Died ~ May 6, 2012 Age ~ 61 years 8 months 24 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2012 First Christian Church Spencer, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Dan Mayes Organist ~ Sherry Groenwold Soloist ~ Gary Gaston Singing “The Lord’s Payer” “In This Very Room” Duet Jim Conrad ~ Rev. Dan Mayes Singing “Unchained Melody” Pallbearers Dr. Alex Pruitt Charles Leinen Doug Marske Todd Ackerman Curt Jacobsma Tim DeYoung Ushers Rodney Boernsen ~ Glenn Petersen Internment Riverside Cemetery Spencer, Iowa