Larry Erdle, 76, of Riverton, Illinois passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Friday evening September 25, 2020. He was born the first child of Joe and Golden (Modesitt) Erdle on December 26, 1943 in Terre Haute, Indiana. Larry was almost 2 years old before his father returned from WW II duties in the Pacific Theater and saw him for the first time.

Larry attended Indiana State University and served in the U.S. Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Larry married Miss Roberta Russell on December 26, 1964 in Terre Haute, Indiana. From this marriage he was blessed with two daughters: Lori Anne and Lisa Elaine. In a second marriage, Larry united with Miss Kristene Wisslead on June 16, 1973 and was blessed with three more children: Sara Jean, Emily Jo and Conrad Joseph. He was later gifted with the discovery of another daughter, Laurie Ann of St. Charles, Missouri.

After working in the Savings & Loan industry for a couple of years in Terre Haute, Larry was transferred to Jacksonville, Illinois, then later Galesburg, and finally Springfield, where he finished a 20-year career as an Examiner for the State of Illinois. Larry also opened and was the longtime owner of Erdle's East End Bar in Riverton, "Home of the Bodacious Burger," (now known as Conrad's) bringing good times, good friends, and good food to the community.

Larry liked cars and almost anything with a motor or wheels. Starting with that old 1949 Plymouth coupe, Larry had more vehicles than a hound dog has fleas. Bicycles, motorcycles, ragtops, hardtops, and convertibles.

Those who got to really know him well found Larry to be a sensitive guy with a kind and generous heart. He was always ready to hear or share a good story and make new friends over a beverage.  He never met a stranger, and all his children meant the world to him.

To avoid the Illinois winters, he enjoyed spending them in Florida the past several years.

Larry is survived by his children, Lori (Roger) Goben of Olathe, KS, Lisa (Sean) Mullins of Germantown Hills, IL, Sara (Tim) Robinson of Cedar Park, TX, Emily (Russ) Mendenhall of Buffalo, IL, Conrad Erdle of Riverton, IL and Laurie (Frank) Westerheide of St. Charles, MO; his grandchildren,  Matt, Jenni, Keegan, Kassidy, Isabel, Alivia, Russ, and Remi; his great-grandchildren, Madeline, Irianna, Ariah, and Karleigh; his brother, Ken (Nancy) Erdle of Bloomington, IN and nephew, Jeff (Christa) Erdle of Harrisburg, NC.

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, therapists and other medical personnel as well as numerous friends and neighbors who checked in on him daily.

A private memorial service will be scheduled, and a Celebration of Life is to be held at a future date.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society.