Larry D. Braaksma, 75, passed away Oct. 30, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials to American Cancer Association or John Stoddard Cancer Center can be sent to the family or left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.
Larry, the youngest of 10 children born to John and Carrie (Van Wyk) Braaksma, was born Aug. 22, 1948, in Lynnville. He grew up in Killduff and attended Sully schools. Larry was united in marriage with Sherrill Andrews on Dec. 22, 1966, in Newton. Larry was a career truck driver. He also owned and operated Clearwater Cove Resort in Canada for 10 years, which allowed him to spend more time pursuing his passions of hunting and big water fishing. After retirement, Larry and Sherrill moved to Texas for 15 years where he drove school bus. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Izaak Walton League. Larry enjoyed being on the road, whether it was in a semi, on a motorcycle, or pulling a camper to wherever he was camping with his family. He enjoyed pheasant hunting in South Dakota, any time spent with friends and family, watching racing, and boating—as long as his hair didn’t get wet.
Larry is survived by his wife Sherrill of Kellogg; his children Marty (Franchette) Braaksma of Newton, Tracy (Jon) Rivers of Ava, MO, and Jenny (Travis) Herduin of Newton; his seven grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren; his sister Lee (Harold) Nielsen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Rob Braaksma, Gertie Hites, Fran Enyart, Bud Braaksma, Lou Braaksma, Butch Braaksma, Viola Mae Braaksma, and Wayne Braaksma.
