Lawrence “Larry” Kenneth Enga, 83, of Elkhart, Iowa (formerly Ankeny, Iowa) passed away on August 15, 2025. Larry was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
A family graveside service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Larry at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Larry’s celebration of his life will be on August 24, 2025, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Vittoria Lodge, 7200 NW 2nd Ave, Ankeny, IA.
Larry was born on May 7, 1942, to Virginia and Vernon Enga in Des Moines, Iowa. He married Judith “Judy” Rahm on New Year’s Eve in 1960. Larry spent the entirety of his life in the Des Moines area, raising his family with Judy and serving his community as an electrician and firefighter.
A proud member of IBEW Local 347, Larry was a highly regarded electrician at Baker Electric. His children have vivid memories of him taking service calls in the middle of the night, on weekends, and always after storms. Even during the floods of 1993, Larry answered the call. Larry and his team's efforts maintained the power at Des Moines Waterworks, saving water access to thousands. He was the “best of the best” and retired in 2016 after 54 years as a loyal employee.
Larry served his community as an active Ankeny Volunteer Fire Department member, taking on multiple roles. Like his “real” job, Larry always answered the call no matter the time. Fellow department members were baffled by how Larry beat them to the station for a call, even though they lived just down the street, and Larry lived outside of town. He was steadfast in his duties and cherished the friendships he made during those years. After 30 years of dedicated service, Larry retired as a Fire Captain in 2007.
Larry loved the road and took several trips across the country with friends on their motorcycles. After retirement, he traveled the country transporting vehicles for several local dealerships. Larry was always on the go and a man of many talents. In his “spare” time, he enjoyed woodworking, training his dogs, and showing classic cars. There is nothing he would not or could not do. Always cool, calm, and collected, he was a constant for so many people. Larry will be remembered as a loyal colleague and employee with a work ethic second to none, an inspiring leader, mentor, and friend to all. Today, he rides free of the burdens of the illness that took him. His presence will be missed, but his spirit will be carried within the many he touched.
Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy Enga; five upstanding children, Laura Delaney (Steven), Kristin Halbrook (Danial), Jeff, Kevin, and Todd Enga (Christy); ten grandchildren, Brett Delaney (Ashley), Joel Delaney (Andrea), Marcus Delaney (Megan), Joe Halbrook (Danni), Jason Halbrook (Belinda), Jordan Enga, Payton Nesler (Reese), Macey Enga, Spencer Enga, and Zoey Enga; two nieces, Terri Vargus (Jose) and Michelle Santiago with their families; 13 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and his dog, Trice. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Brenda (Enga) Chafe; and mother-in-law, Alice Rahm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ankeny Fire Department or Blank Children’s Hospital.
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Beth Mealey sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Larry Kenneth Enga - August 18, 2025
Dave Reid sent Tender Tribute for Larry Kenneth Enga - August 18, 2025
So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. My family had a lot of great conversations with Larry whether working for Baker or helping with plants for his home. A great men that will be dearly missed. Prayers to Judy and the whole family.
So many good memories of Larry. He was a dear friend to my husband Marty who passed away. He was always there for the guys at Baker Electric. I remember he most for his rugged looks dressed in leather on his Harley. When he rode in he was a very kind loving compassionate guy who will be missed. He's home with God. I'll bet him and Marty talking electric right now. My prayers love to the family and to Laura and Steve memories are everthing thank god for them. Janet Ray