Lawrence E. Ihrig

January 21, 1947 to February 27, 2020

Larry came into this world on January 21, 1947. He was lovingly placed in the arms of Larry and Mary Jane (Riley) Ihrig.

Larry grew up in Des Moines and proudly graduated in the Rock'n Roll era of 1965 from Des Moines North High School. Larry signed up to serve his country in the United States Marine Corp and during that time served in Vietnam. Upon his return home he applied to the Des Moines Police Department. Larry retired as a Senior Police Officer after 40 years. Just prior to retiring he found he had liver cancer. By the grace of God he was given a second chance in life with a liver transplant at the University of Iowa Hospital.

Whatever Larry did in life he did it with a passion. His love of hockey made him one of the longest season ticket holders of the Des Moines Buccaneers. He was always a season ticket holder with Iowa Wild but the BUCS were his passion. Larry had an extensive hockey jersey and hat collection and was known to sport some very fashionable attire at the games, #22, his number he carried with him from High School track.

Larry began walking about 30 years ago and for 6 days a week he would cover the trails and streets of Des Moines and Central Iowa. He loved wildlife and made many friends along his walks. The one day he did not walk was the day he served the Lord. He read his Bible twice a day each day and served his church, Holy Trinity.

Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Paulette; his daughter, Ann Mercer (Dennis), Naples, FL; grandsons, Justin Von Eschen (fiancée, Lorrie Corman), Blue Springs, MO, and Jeremy (Shauna) Von Eschen, Holiday, FL; granddaughter, Jenna (Andrew) Sachs, Avoca, IA; and great-grandchildren, Waylon & Emmitt Sachs and Gabriella Von Eschen. Larry also leaves behind his half-sister, Linda Breen, Des Moines, IA.

In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Pauline Steinbach, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Steve Lee, Alan and Alice Steinbach, Cindy and Dan McDonough, Caroline Buckroyd, Cheryl and Scott Temple, Claudia and Mark Van Der Sluis, and Clarice Steinbach and Scott McPherson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Mary Jane Ihrig; father-in-law, Donald Steinbach; brothers-in-law, Chris and Donnie Steinbach and Scott Buckroyd; niece, Bernadette Lee; and nephew, Jonathan Lee.

The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Holy Trinity Church, 2926 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, followed by burial at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, The University of Iowa's Hospitals & Clinics, or Iowa Food Bank. If attending Mass services, canned good donations may be brought to the church.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com