September 2, 1949 - October 8, 2026
Born in Beloit, Kansas
Resided in Des Moines
An honest and hardworking man has taken his final flight. Larry Pirotte passed away after fiercely and bravely facing a cancer diagnosis with the same grit he brought to every challenge in his life.
A disciplined and humble man, Larry served his country with honor as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot before dedicating his professional life to caring for others as a nurse anesthetist. His lifelong passion for sports started with Little League in Carroll and extended to his football playing days at Kuemper High School and Mizzou, where he was also a proud Beta Theta Pi brother. He brought that same sports enthusiasm with him to Iowa, where he became a dedicated Hawkeyes fan.
Above all, his greatest titles were Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle, Son, and Friend. He never missed a chance to cheer on his grandkids at their games and activities. A true force, he earned the deep respect of everyone who looked to him for leadership and advice. He loved biking and gardening, established the Chateau Pirotte Vineyard, and later enjoyed dabbling in art and listening to the loons. His legacy will live on through cherished family traditions at the YMCA of the Rockies, the invaluable words of wisdom he shared with so many, and his lifelong expectation of ‘nothing but the best.’ An honest man through and through, he leaves behind a lasting example of strength, hard work, and integrity.
Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis (Bromert) Pirotte; his daughter, Nelle Barriteau (Kristoffer); his sons, Nick Pirotte (Rachelle) and Ned Pirotte (Hollie McCrary); his grandchildren, Casey, Mason, Makenna, and Max; and his siblings, Ron, Bob, and Janet.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Mary Pirotte, and his brother, Jim.
A memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Larry’s life on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00-7:00pm at Iles Jordan Creek Chapel, 7150 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines 50266. A private family committal service will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone wishing to honor Larry’s memory donate blood or plant a tree (https://general-usa.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=49831702&source=sh2).
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Dunn’s Chapel.
We heard the sad news of Larry’s passing. Our deepest condolences are with the Pirotte family.
Mark & Sue Huebsch
We will miss you brother. You have been an inspiration for generations of the PIROTTE clan.
I look forward to seeing the family and sharing Larry stories, I’ve got a few. He always had that kinda grin/chuckle thing going on with a twinkle in his eyes, such a charmer. I love my brother, I’ll miss you.
My deepest condolences to Larry’s entire immediate and extended family. He was a great friend snd Mizzou teammate. RIP Mr. 5.7.
The Pirotte family has been a known name with our family, starting with the kids at Regina in Iowa City many years ago. Phyllis and I especially had some great laughs together. And I’ll never forget the hours of picking grapes at the vinyard!
What a blessing to have 53 years together. Treasured memories.
May God bless you all with the strength you need, and wrap His arms around you in comfort.
Love, Shirley Bothell & family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry. What a beautiful tribute to him! Sending my thoughts and prayers to Phyllis and the entire family
Sending sincere Condolences. Was several years younger than Larry but remember hearing Football Story’s about he and the 1966 Carroll Kuemper Football Team. Larry still has the Kuemper rushing record from his Senior year in 1966 with 1,715 yards.
What a great heart. Was fortunate to be a teammate at Mizzou and a brother at the Beta house.. There never was a room or a field that didn’t become a better place when Larry got there. Rest now, Larry, well done.
Our prayers are with Phyllis and the family! Larry was an awesome teammate,
Our Prayers and Condolences. Larry was a Great Teammate and he will be remembered for his kindness and fellowship. I remember him talking about his vineyards out on the golf course during one of our reunions for the 1967 Missouri Tiger freshman football team. I still have many great memories playing that season.
Phyllis and Family. Please accept our most sincere condolences. It was always a good day if Larry was around his MU friends. He accomplished so much in his life. He called me about 18 months ago when he found out about my recent health diagnosis. Good teammates remain cherished friends way beyond our collegiate days. May the Lord bless everyone in the Pirotte family. And Larry ,thank you for being a wonderful friend! John and Joyce Burns
Always enjoyed Larry! The final words and thoughts from the Family leave no doubt about his character and his love of family and friends! I know he enjoyed his life’s work as it allowed him to help so many! Remember him well during our days at Mizzou ! Classic smile was always welcoming! Wishing family and friends the peace of God , which passes all understanding !
I am so sorry about the passing of Larry. I was on the Mizzou football team with him in 1967. We are both from Iowa. I know he owned some property near my hometown of Keokuk Iowa and I often thought about contacting him about that. Time gets away from us and I’m sorry I didn’t connect. Please accept my condolences. I know he was a good man
Phyllis:
I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. We all will miss Larry.
Matt McCoy
Guaranteed delivery before Larry's memorial service begins.
Iles Jordan Creek Chapel
7150 Ashworth Road
West Des Moine, IA 50266
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