Lawrence "Larry" Edward Diederich

Lawrence (Larry) Edward Diederich, 76, of Walla Walla, was surrounded by the love of his family when he passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church in Murdoch, Minnesota, Larry’s Catholic faith provided the foundational values he cherished in life. His veneration of faith led him to study seminary before school for three years prior to graduating from Kerkhoven High School in 1965.

Enlisting in the Navy, he served on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. A proud Vietnam Veteran, Larry was the recipient of multiple medals and commendations. After fulfilling several tours in Vietnam, he settled in Southern California, where he worked as a Loan Officer and Branch Manager for Bank of America and started a family. After retiring from Bank of America, Larry used his astute intelligence and keen knowledge of financing to open a second mortgage and loan business.

Larry married his life partner, Darlene McWeeney, on April 15, 2005, in Bullhead City, AZ. Larry and Dar spent many happy years enjoying travel, near and abroad, cruises, and Bingo everywhere they went. They also savored spending time with family and friends, which usually involved family dinners.

Honest and selfless, Larry’s Faith, Service, and Love for God were the fundamental aspects of his life. Standing tall, Larry lived by the ethos: ‘You Give More than You Get.’ Everyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with Larry were blessed by his enjoyable and easy-going, witty, authentic soul. Larry lived his life with love for both family and community. He was active in the Elks, Eagles, and especially the VFW. While serving as VFW Post Commander, alongside friends, Joe and Trina, Larry enjoyed helping veterans, and the community, through service and various fundraising activities.

With a lifetime of memories, Larry’s favorites are topped by the births of his beloved daughters, Lauri Lynn and Amber Anne, a recent trip with the esteemed Honor Flight program to Washington DC with his son-in-law, Tony, as well as the many memorable trips he took with his wife, Dar, and close friends Jay, Rosalie, Arwin, and Sandy.

Larry is survived by his wife, Dar; three brothers, Chuck (Linda), Bill (Marguerite), and Frank (Tina); two sisters, Marie (Arlin) and Marlys (Kelly); and his daughters, Lauri Largent and Amber (Blake); along with stepchildren, Daniel (Jenna), Lynne (Tony), Shawn (Diana); grandchildren, Luke, Jake, Kate, Nick, Evan, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen, as well as his older brother, Steve.

An immense Thank You to the Palliative Care team (Stacie, Marseile, and Alessandra), Dr. Kemper, and all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at Providence St Mary’s who helped in providing a comfortable and compassionate setting for Larry and his family in his final weeks.

A Rosary service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6:00 PM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 1:00 PM, at the VFW Hall, Walla Walla.

Donations in Larry’s name can be made to the Inland Northwest Honor Flight through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are also invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.