Larry L. Ridinger, 83, of Trenton, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at his home.
Larry was born on September 3, 1942, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Leonard and Margaret (Leydens) Ridinger. He attended Star School in rural Trenton and the Greenmound Church. In 1962, Larry asked his grandma Nora Ridinger to sign to authorize him to join the Navy. During his service, Larry was a diver and welded ships under the sea. Additionally, he was on the Navy boxing team.
Larry was united in marriage to Sylvia Klaus on August 28, 1964, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. To this union the couple had three children, Rami, Angela, and Thomas.
Larry worked for many different contractors pouring and finishing concrete; Mennatts, HE Smith, Fox Pools, and Barton Construction. Additionally, he drove over the road hauling for Bill Rockwell. Larry and Dick Morrow owned and ran the Coppock Sawmill. He owned and raised beef cattle.
Larry was also a member of the International Rodeo Association, riding bulls and helping with pick-up during the performances. He also helped haul rodeo stock for Tonch Heartsill. During his later retirement, he purchased a sawmill and started cutting his own planks. Larry loved working in his shop, building everything from small boxes to headboards and tabletops, all created with different patterns and woods, cut by him at his sawmill.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughters Rami S. Ridinger, Angela M. (Mike) Looker, Melanie Thomson; son Thomas C. (Cindy Keeley) Ridinger; grandchildren, Sasha Noel, Abigail Noel, Tucker Noel, Nicole Schlatter, Justina Thomson, Jesse Thomson, Brittany (Derek) Throckmorton, and Connor (Paige) Wiseman; great grandchildren Easton, Sage, Theone, Natalie and Bennett. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers John and Emmett.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Burial will follow in the Finley Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 – 6:00. A memorial fund has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.
