Larry Max Sanford

A celebration of life service for Larry Sanford, 86, of rural Lucas, will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo.

Memorials may be made in care of Larry's family.

You may join Larry's family via livestream at https://my.gather.app/remember/larry-sanford

Larry Max Sanford was born September 30, 1935 to Floyd “Bud” and Margaret Slater Sanford in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up on East 15th St. and attended East High School. He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served during the Korean War for 4 years. He wanted to volunteer for another tour, but he had three children and a wife at home.
He met Arlene Miller in downtown Des Moines, they dated several years and were married on August 22, 1953. The couple was blessed with five children: Nancy, Cheryl, Karen, Robby, and Tommy.
After returning from the service, he worked with his dad and brother at the Iowa Roofing Company and was a general contractor for many years doing all types of carpentry work in the Des Moines and West Des Moines area. He later started installing carpet and really enjoyed working with his grandsons, Chad and “little” Larry the last several years. Larry loved to work and would have not quit installing carpet if it wasn’t for COVID, he basically retired at the age of 85, just over a year ago.
Larry loved animals and would take in many strays over the years. They included flying squirrels, ferrets, cats, and dogs. His wife and family were his whole life. He cherished time spent with all of them.

Larry passed away suddenly at home on December 2, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Arlene Sanford; children: Nancy (Greg) Lee, Cheryl (Bert) Kersbergen, Karen (Tim) Sanford, Robby Sanford, and Tommy Sanford; grandchildren: Jenny, Heather, Melissa, Shaun, Mickey, Chad, Alicia, Larry, Nikki, Tiffany, Jenny, and TJ; 12 great grandchildren; a great great grandchild; a sister, Donna Davis; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard “NeeNee” Sanford.