Obituary for Larry Dean Gilliland

Larry Gilliland, 74, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Sunday January 7, 2024, at the Stratford Specialty Care Center in Stratford. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the North Lawn Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the United States Army and the VFW Post #1856. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.

Larry Dean Gilliland, the son of John and Ruby (Finney) Gilliland, was born September 13, 1949, in Fort Dodge, Iowa and was a member of the 1967 graduating class from Fort Dodge Senior High. Immediately after graduating from high school, Larry enlisted into the United States Army and served during the Vietnam Conflict from June 20, 1967, until he was discharged on July 18, 1969. After his military service Larry earned a degree in Business Management. On August 26, 1972, Larry was united in marriage to Linda Niemand. The couple then made their home in the Clare area. On April 28, 1978, Larry reenlisted into the United State Army and served until his retirement from the military at the rank of Master Sergeant on June 30, 1993. After his retirement from the military, Larry was an over the road trucker. In 2014 Larry began driving for NEW Cooperative. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and watching family at dirt track stock car racing.

Larry was honored in May of 2016 to be part of the Brushy Creek Honor Flight. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Larry is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Kyle (Katie) Gilliland and two granddaughters, Kaylynne and Brooklynn all of Fort Dodge; seven siblings, Sharon Chism of Greenfield, IA, John (Diane) Gilliland of Humboldt, IA, Pat (Rick) Sharkey of Omaha, NB, Jeff (Cheryl) Gilliland of Gretna, NB, Colleen Zeman of Fort Dodge, Vicki (Jim) Fenske of Goldfield, IA, Connie (Steve) Coldwell of Lawton, OK, and a sister-in-law Ulla Gilliland. He is also survived by the Niemand family and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Larry is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Myron Gilliland; and two brothers-in-law, Bob Chism and Larry Zeman

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