Harry Lee Dearinger, 73, of Newton died Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Taylor House Hos-pice in Des Moines. A funeral service was held Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the First Baptist Church in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Gideons International, First Baptist Church, or The Children’s Tumor Foundation may be left at the funeral home.
Harry Lee, the son of Martin and Lois (Laffoon) Dearinger, was born June 11, 1944, in Newton. He was raised and grew up in Galesburg and graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School in 1962. He was a 1963 graduate of AIB with a degree in junior accounting.
On Aug. 1, 1964, Harry was united in marriage with his childhood sweetheart, Judy M. Rozenberg in Killduff. Harry worked for Hawkeye Chevrolet, Joel Johnson Motor Car Co., and in his role prior to retirement, he held the position of President of Meisner Electric. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Gideons International, and The Good Guys. In his early years, Harry enjoyed playing men’s fast-pitch softball with his best friend, Larry Longren. Harry was the pitcher and Larry, the catcher. Harry also enjoyed golf, trapshooting, fishing, Nascar races, and as everyone knows, duck hunting. Harry’s true passion was showing off his ’57 Chevy and going to car shows.
Harry was a big supporter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as many community activities. Harry truly loved and cherished his time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed coaching his daughters in softball as well as umpiring countless games. Harry was well-known at Christmas time for decorating their home with Santa’s sleigh pulled by his geese.
Those left to honor Harry’s memory are his cherished wife, Judy of 53 years; two daughters, Jodi (Terry) McGee and Julie (Lance) Elmquist, both of Ankeny; his grandchildren; his great-grand-children; his sister, Barb Antle of Altoona; and his sister-in-law, Donna Parish of Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Willie Rozenberg and Ron Parish; and son-in-law, Steve Walsh.
