Larry was born to Francis and Ilo Runneals on May 12, 1931, in Nevada, IA. He married Barbara Arlyn Thorp on June 21, 1959, in Iowa Falls, IA. They had two children, Kathleen Ann and Michael Keith Runneals and one granddaughter, Natalie Christine Runneals.

Larry graduated from Nevada High School in 1949 and was an accomplished athlete in multiple sports. He was honored in 1948 on the Iowa Daily Press Association’s All-State High School Football team as the Utility Back and on The Des Moines Register and Tribune’s 2nd Team All-State High School Football Team as Quarterback. He holds the Iowa high school state record for the football throw and was inducted into the Nevada High School Hall of Fame in 1992.

Larry attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education in 1955. He was employed a Lennox Industries following graduation until his retirement.

Larry was a member of Elim Lutheran Church; he was also a member of the Isaac Walton League and a board member for many years.

Larry loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Mike. Even when he could no longer hunt, he enjoyed daily trips in Marshall and nearby counties tracking the various wildlife, spending as much time as possible out of doors. In his retirement, he also enjoyed woodworking, making duck decoys and various butterfly and bird houses.

He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 64 years; daughter, Kathy Runneals, of Cedar Rapids; daughter- in-law, Chris Runneals, of West Des Moines; granddaughter, Natalie Runneals, of Pleasant Prairie, WI and many relatives and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Ilo Runneals and son, Michael Keith Runneals.