Lawrence "Larry" Gregorich, Sr.

Lawrence “Larry” Gregorich Sr., age 82, of Preston, IA, passed away on May 13, 2026. Larry was born on August 8, 1943, in Maquoketa, IA, the son of George M. and Mary (Zupanc) Gregorich. He attended school at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West, IA.

Larry left school after eighth grade to help on the family farm. Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy for three years, including a mission aboard the USS Enterprise. On April 18, 1970, he married Dianna Kinney at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Larry began his career with Clinton Engines before working for Purina as an electrician. He later spent 25 years with Alcoa as an ACE electrician. Larry was known for his incredible work ethic, often working 16 hour days to provide for his family. He also built his family home from the ground up with his own hands, a testament to his determination and skill.

Larry was lovingly known as One-Wire, an inside joke amongst his Alcoa coworkers. A true jack of all trades, he possessed talents across many disciplines and was always willing to lend a hand, solve a problem, or fix what others could not.

Larry had a passion for woodworking and built many pieces of furniture by hand, generously gifting them to family members over the years. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, and studying World War II history. More than anything, Larry treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his most cherished experiences was participating in the Honor Flight in 2022, a trip he spoke about often and held close to his heart.

Larry will be dearly missed by his children, Jason (Cheryl Clark) Gregorich, Jodi (Steve) Christof, Joana (Jeremy) Graves, David Gregorich, John Gregorich, Jim (Renee) Gregorich, Pattijean (Curt) Roling, Kimberly (Kevin) Simmons, Liana Reistroffer, and Brad Gregorich; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Gregorich and Robert Gregorich; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Dianna; his parents, George M. and Mary Gregorich; his brother, Thomas Gregorich; and one grandson, Bryan Gregorich.

A life well lived, Larry will be remembered for his strength, generosity, craftsmanship, unwavering dedication to his family, and the example of hard work and perseverance he passed on to those he loved.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Preston. Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the church, on Monday, May 18, as well as from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., prior to Tuesday’s Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery - Sugar Creek.