Obituaries : Larry Milton Hook

Larry Milton Hook, 77, of Vinton, IA, died on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, following complications from a fall. He had also been courageously battling cancer for many years. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25, at Blessed Hope Community Church in Vinton, IA, officiated by Pastor Dan Paxton, Larry's longtime pastor and friend. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, July 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Larry was born on August 11th, 1947, to Anno and Jeanette (Card) Hook in West Union, IA. On September 16, 1967, Larry married the love of his life, Marsha Underwood, at Prairie Creek Church in Vinton, IA. He was a member of Heartland Vineyard Church, where his faith continued to grow and shape his life.

Larry was never one to shy away from a hard day's work and held a variety of jobs throughout his life. He worked in maintenance at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, spent time as an over-the-road truck driver, and also worked at Iowa Ham. For several years, he ran a lawn care business on the side, a job he truly loved, including taking care of Maplewood Cemetery. He eventually joined CRST, where he worked as a diesel mechanic until retirement. 

Family was everything to Larry. He and Marsha built a home rooted in Jesus and filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. In 1974, they adopted their son Lance, followed by the adoption of their daughter Malea from Korea in 1980. Then, in 1989, they surprised many by adding three more sons, Lucas, Michael, and Marty, to their family. Some thought they were a little crazy, but to Larry, it just felt right. He embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly and was deeply proud of the family they built together.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Marsha; his children, Malea (Scott) Lee of Vinton, Lucas Hook of Vinton, Michael (Adrianne) Hook of Vinton, and Marty (Sammie) Hook of Cedar Rapids; and his grandchildren, Anil, Tyler, Bailey, and Finnick. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kay Hook and Sharon Cruse; a niece and five nephews; and many extended family members and dear friends who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anno and Jeanette Hook; his brother, Oddie Hook; and his beloved son, Lance Hook.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be directed to The Mark Harrison Cancer Foundation, 202 Canton St. SW, Shellsburg, IA 52332, in honor of Larry's life and legacy.