Larry Lee Zweerink, 82, of Firth, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Lee Campbel-Zweerink, their infant daughter, Rhonda Lee Zweerink, their grandson Cody Craig, his parents Hattie and Fred, his brothers Marvin, Martinus, Donald, Leslie, Harold, Clyde and his son Leroy, and his sisters JoHana and Viola.

Larry grew up in Firth Nebraska, and helped his parents run the farm and their dairy store in town. After the death of his father in 1951, the family moved to Lincoln. Larry enlisted in the Marine Corp at the early age of 17, and served his Country for 8 years. He carried his Patriotism, dedication and work ethics throughout his life.

In 1978, Larry moved his family back to Firth. Larry was a welder by trade and worked as a Welding Instructor at the Nebraska State Penitentiary for several years. In the 80’s and 90’s Larry worked at Southeast Community College, earning the nickname “Mr. Hammer Man” by the children of the daycare center attached to the school. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed working at the local auction houses and tinkering around on his farm. Larry loved his farm so much, raising cattle, goats, chickens, pigeons, and doves. HIs garden and flowers were amongst his favorite pastimes, the fruits of his labor enjoyed by many. Larry loved hunting with family and friends, the State Fair, Tractor Pulls and watching Wrestling with his great-nephew Tim. Although large in stature, Larry was best described as a teddy bear, with a heart of gold.

Larry was a hard working man, with an exceptional eye for perfection and detail.  Even in his last years, from his room at Tabitha, he was still designing and perfecting projects at the farm.  With the help of family and friends he was still able to make weekly visits to ‘keep an eye’ on the ins and outs of his little slice of Heaven located on that dirt road in the community that defined him.

Larry leaves behind his daughter, Shelly Zweerink-Snyder, her son Casey Craig (Melissa) and his children, Austin and Hudson. His great granddaughter, Meleah (daughter of the late Cody Craig) His stepdaughter, Janet Weblemoe-Bullard (Richie),her children, Lindsy McCreary (Dave), Jake Oberle (Michelle), his children, Bradley and Brielle, Cheyenne Nelson, and her son Carter.  His niece, Pam Blake, her children Erica Gibson(Ian, daughter Lennon), Justin Eddins (Amber, son Blake) His nephew, Chris Zweerink, niece Carol Zweerink-Clifton, and many more family members, including the MANY foster children that he and his wife Sharon cared for over the years.

Larry left this earth way too soon, but he will always be remembered by the many people that knew and loved him.

A Celebration of life will be held June 24, 2023.