Larry Dean Knerr, 71, of Washington died Thursday, August 4, 2011 at his residence in Washington after a decline in health.

Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington with Rev. Jean Wollenberg officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Sunday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Sandy Hook Cemetery in rural Brighton. A memorial has been established to Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent to Larry's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Larry was born November 27, 1939 in Washington, Iowa the son of Roy and Belva (Farrier) Knerr. He attended school in Brighton. Larry was united in marriage to Mary Crawford on January 2, 1960 in Riverside, Iowa. He farmed in his earlier years. Later he worked at Perfex and was a crane operator at Crane Valve for 21 years. He enjoyed car races and was a fan of Richard Petty. He enjoyed watching old western movies especially John Wayne movies. Larry was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Indianapolis Colts fan. He enjoyed time spent fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Knerr of Washington; son, Larry Lee Knerr of West Chester; son, Jeff Knerr of Brighton; son, Brian Knerr of Washington; seven grandchildren, Jesse, Tasha, Cody, Alex, Ashley, Kelly and Zachary; sister, Edna Mae Crawford of Washington; sister, Lois Freeman of Danville, Iowa; brother, Bob Knerr and wife Babe of Washington; and his brother, Richard Knerr and wife Shirley of Wellman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Linda Lee in 1966; and three brothers, Gene Knerr; LeRoy Knerr; and Jack Knerr.