Larry L. Marxman (78) of Dawson, IL, Formerly of Effingham

Larry L. Marxman, 78, of Dawson, IL, formerly of Effingham, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

Larry was born on August 13, 1942, in Effingham, IL, to Valman Marxman and Milda (Priess) Marxman. In 1961 he married Roberta Holste. They had two children: Brian Lee Marxman and Marla Kay Marxman. Marla died in an automobile accident in 1980. Larry and Roberta later divorced.

In 1982 he married Jeri Lynn Parrish; she survives. 

Larry was a farmer, raising grain, purebred cattle, and purebred and cross bred hogs, and he bred horses. He was a pioneer in minimum tillage and narrow row farming in Effingham County. From 1977-1980 he was co-owner and operator of a grain, feed, and fertilizer business in Watson and Altamont.

He was a foreman in the Illinois Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Division from 1969-1971.

Active in rural and agricultural issues, he was part of the Farm Bureau Young Farmers committee and a 4-H leader, including a 4-H tractor school. He was a member of the Effingham County Fair Board, a Board member of the ASCS County committee, and a charter board member of the County Pork Producers Association. Larry was President of the University of Illinois Extension Service Council- Effingham County and President of the County Extension Building Association, including heading a fundraising committee and building a new facility in 1973. He served on the Advisory Board for the Agronomy Department of the University of Illinois. He was also active in organizing the Effingham County Young Republicans and served as Vice-Chairman of the Effingham County Republican Central Committee. In 1980 he was part of a People-to-People Good-Will Mission to Europe, where participants met with members of the Agriculture Community in Russia, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium.

Larry worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Meat and Poultry Inspection from 1981 until his retirement in 2002. At DOA, he started as a meat inspector and rose to Assistant Director of the Division.

He was active in his churches, both St. John’s Lutheran in Effingham and Immanuel Lutheran in Riverton, IL. He served many terms as Elder and Congregational President. He represented the district at bi-annual meetings of the Central Illinois District three times, and he also represented the Central Illinois District at a Missouri Synod meeting. He served three terms on the Christian-Sangamon Thrivent Board, including one term as President. 

He was an avid gardener; as with many retired farmers, his gardens tended to the large size, with enough produce to feed a neighborhood. He kept adding new garden areas to showcase his love of flowers. He called his small herd of donkeys and mules his “therapy” and he was devoted to his cats and dogs.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jeri Marxman of Dawson; son, Brian (Jill) Marxman of Effingham; two grandchildren, Abby and Cole Marxman; brothers, Robert (Bernetta) Marxman of Effingham and Merrill Marxman of La Porte, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Marla.

Family funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2020, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery on Dutch Lane in Effingham. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask for all services and follow all social distancing guidelines.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverton, IL. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.