Larry Dean Gletty

Larry Dean Gletty, age 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Elkhart on Friday, June 21, 2019.  Larry was born May 9, 1952 in Waterloo, Iowa to the late Floyd Ira and Arlene Ferne (Michelsen) Gletty.  He was employed for many years as a cabinet builder in the RV Industry throughout the greater Elkhart area.  While working in the factory, he met Cindy St0kley and they fell in love.  They were married in Elkhart on April 14, 1974 and recently celebrated their forty-fifth anniversary.

Cindy survives, along with their children Tracey Harrington of Jackson, Michigan, Stacey (Tom) Bailey of Lexington, North Carolina, and Bill (Heather) Gletty of Elkhart.  Also surviving are his grandchildren Zack Bailey, Felicity Bailey, Sarah Gletty and Emily Gletty.  Surviving as well is his great granddaughter Delaney Bailey and his sister, Linda White of Maynard, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters; Wanda Clay and Alice Wagner.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm Monday, June 24, 2019 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. There will be no formal service, but the Gletty family asks that you remember Larry in your own special way.

Larry enjoyed fishing, gardening, collecting classic cars, going to car shows, and woodworking.  He was also involved in helping his wife Cindy at the day care they owned, Gletty’s Day Care, where the many children they cared for over more than forty years affectionately referred to him as “Papa Larry.”  During his time helping at the day care, he did many things for the children, but will always be remembered dearly for playing Santa for the kids at Christmas.

Most of all, Larry was a dedicated husband and father.   His greatest joy was spending time with his family on vacations and at amusement parks.  Any trip he went on, several other kids would join and be treated as if they were his own.

In his memory, donations may be given to the American Lung Association.  To light a virtual candle, leave a memory of Larry for the family, or to view his online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.