Lawrence F. DeRycke

lawrence derycke

Lawrence "Larry" F. DeRycke, 88, of Sheffield, Illinois passed away at his home on August 24, 2021.

He was born December 27, 1932 in Buda, Illinois the son of Francis "Frank" and Effie (DeMetsenaere) DeRycke.

Larry was married to Judy Martin and they later divorced.

He is survived by one son: Dennis (Ellen) DeRycke of Davenport, Iowa and a long time companion: Patricia Pond of Sheffield, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Noe "Bud" DeRycke and one sister,  Evelyn Lutz.

Larry graduated from Buda High School.

He served in the United States Army from 1953 - 1955 in the Korean War.

When he returned he was employed by Mechling Barge Line until 1966. Larry then went to work at Barcol Overdoor Company in Sheffield and then Martin Engineering Company in Neponset, retiring in 1997.  During retirement he became bailiff at the Bureau County Courthouse for the last 22 years.

Larry was a member of the Sheffield American Legion Post #340, past president of the Sheffield Homecoming Association, past fire chief of the Sheffield Fire Protection District, past ambulance director of the Sheffield Ambulance Service, and a member of the Manlius Sportsman Club.  He also umpired Sheffield Little League in the 70s and Kewanee American Legion Baseball in the 80s.

Cremation rites will be accorded and graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Sheffield Public Library. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com. 

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  1. Dennis I am so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was most definitely one of the good ones! I have such fond memories of him from Sheffield, Homecoming and Martin. He always had a smile and some wisecrack comment. Prayers to you, friend. 🙏

  2. Denny, Mom, Kenny & I are so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. They just didn’t come any nicer or pleasant to be around than him. He truly left his mark on anyone he had contact with. 💔

  3. Sorry for your loss of Uncle Lawrence. Talked to him after church 2 weeks ago. HE WAS A SPECIAL UNCLE. If you need anything give me a call

  4. So sorry for your loss. I have known Larry for many years and always enjoyed visiting with him. ( Gustafson Ford RET)

  5. I grew up next door to Larry in the 1960s. As a teenager, I used to assist Larry when he umpired baseball games. Later in life when I visited Sheffield, I sought out Larry, and we would discuss his favorite team, the St Louis Cardinals. Last time I saw Larry he told me all about how he enjoyed his job as a bailif. I will never forget Larry’s warm and engaging manner and will miss seeing him.

  6. Dennis and family – so very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I just visited with him recently at the doctors office. He had a memory that amazed him and always made me smile as we talked about old times. I enjoyed working with your dad at Martin Eng and staying in touch with him we’d see him at Pat’s or just out and about. I’m deeply sorry for your loss.

  7. My condolences to Pat and Family.
    I will miss my lifelong friend, but will never forget him. Larry was one of a kind.

  8. I’m very saddened to learn of Larry’s passing. I got to know him during his years as bailiff. He would usually search me out in the courthouse just to say hello or good-bye and our five minute conversations always left me wiser and looking forward to the next. My condolences to his loved ones.


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