Larry James Radosevich

Just a few days after his last Zoom call, where most got to see only his forehead and the ceiling, Larry Radosevich, Ottumwa's Volunteer Extrodinaire, joined heaven's legion of angels on August 13, 2020. Larry touched many lives during his 64 years in Ottumwa, IA. As a crossing guard for 32 years at Wilson School Larry, helped hundreds of kids over a couple of generations, safely cross the street on their way to and from school. Even after retirement Larry continued to assist these young learners as a Foster Grandparent, listening to them read and memorize their flashcards. Larry was so popular that there were many tears shed, when one student got Larry's attention sooner than another!

Larry was born on January 7, 1956, where he spent his first 6 years growing up in Wildwood Park's log cabin. He spent hours by the creek and on the sledding hill with his little brother Rob. Larry even left a bit of his forehead skin on some trees! Much of his time spent outdoors during the summertime was riding on his father's John Deere lawn mower, which also doubled as his favorite vehicle. His second favorite place was in the Colorado Mountains, camping with family or clearing brush from the family property.

Larry enjoyed spending time with family, including sisters, Barbara Swanson and Paula Radosevich Clendenin and brother, Rob Radosevich, four step-siblings and several nieces, nephews. His love for people extended to dear friends, John and Sylvia Hunolt, Bev Hamilton and her son, Craig Hamilton, Jeanne Dillon, Jan and Mike McDonough Kelli Jo Griffin...just to name a few! The list was so long, they really were his "Framily." Nieces and nephews remember Larry's little quirk of always falling asleep in a movie, listening to the police scanner, and saying to them "hey, try to find me a girlfriend at the grocery store". He enjoyed sparing with the family Cub Fans, letting them know that his beloved St. Louis Cardinals were the best (until 2016 that is!) For over 20 years, Larry could be found at every Indian Hills Warriors basketball home games, sitting behind the opposing team's bench.

Volunteering was Larry's passion! Whether it was booking speakers for the Evening Lions Club meetings, working security at a gate at University of Iowa football games, or selling brooms, Larry enjoyed the comradery and helping other people through this service organization. He enjoyed calling Bingo at the Knights of Columbus hall and he could even be seen volunteering at the Tootsie Roll and Coloring Book drives using his walker. Larry proudly wore the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus uniform, attending Church ceremonies in the honor guard.

Larry always made the best of what life dealt him! At Good Samaritan he cruised the hallways with his "Cadillac walker", teasing the care staff, was crowned Valentine's Day Dance King along with his friend Diane as Queen, and sitting at a table working on a puzzle chatting about the latest baseball or football games where occasionally, he would make 25 cent wagers. COVID-19 brought new challenges, as many are aware, not being able to see him in person, taking him out to eat or for a drive around Ottumwa. Through the help of Tammy at Good Samaritan, Larry learned how to use Facetime, Zoom, and Facebook on a regular basis so he could stay connected with the numerous people he loved.

As Jack Buck, the Cardinals 40-year announcer would say, "That's a Winner." This gentle giant, winner at life has left us all, but has found peace when he met the Lord. We are sure that he is catching up family and friends that preceded him to the next realm, including Mother (Luella Steffes Radosevich), Father (Carl Radosevich), Sister (Paula Radosevich-Clendenin), and Step-mother, (Joanne Radosevich).

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m, Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Ottumwa with Father Jim Betzen officiating. Mass services will be live streamed on the Sinnott Funeral Home facebook page for those unable to attend. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020, opening to the public at 2:00 p.m, with Larry's family present to greet family and friends from 5-7 p.m., with a Christian Wake Service at 6:00 p.m. at Sinnott Funeral Home in Ottumwa. The McMullen Assembly 4th Degree Honor Guard of Ottumwa will be present at the Visitation and Mass Service. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. Mask will be required to attend the visitation and Mass. Memorials may be directed to the Ottumwa Evening Lions Club or to the Wilson Grade School. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com.