Lawrence Ernest Dibbern

12/02/1915 — 08/08/2003

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Wood River, Nebraska

Lawrence Ernest Dibbern

Lawrence E. Dibbern, 87, passed away on August 8, 2003 at The Guardian Angel Home in Richland. He was born on December 2, 1915 in Wood River, Nebraska, lived in the Tri-City area for 57 years and retired from WPPSS in 1976. He was a member of the Richland Lutheran Church.

During Lawrence’s young childhood years he was raised on farm in Wood River, Nebraska with 7 brothers and 3 sisters and by his parents Ernest and Augusta.

Growing up he worked on farms of various neighbors and relatives in Wood River. He then married Evelyn Schmale in 1937 and moved to Washington State in 1946.

Lawrence and his family survived the flood in 1948 and settled in Richland where they raised their 3 children.

His family was everything to Lawrence. His 3 children and their achievements made him most proud. The crowning glory of his life was his 7 grandchildren and his 15 great-grandchildren all of whom he loved to bounce on his knee when they were babies and see them laugh.

Lawrence obtained his High School Diploma while working for GE and over the years was elevated to control room supervisor where he retired. Most of his friends and co-workers called him “Dib”.

He collected and restored numerous Edsels and was president of the Edsel Owner Club. His 1958 white convertible Edsel was seen many times in parades during the holidays.

Gardening was a passion with Lawrence. He spent many hours preparing, planting, watering, and hoeing his vegetable garden each year. He also loved to fish and hunt. Catching over a one hundred pound Sturgeon and bagging an Elk, and a moose on a guided hunt in British Columbia. Lawrence is survived by his daughters Sharleen Thesenvitz and Jorene Shreve and a son Larry Dibbern. He is also survived by brothers Harold Dibbern of Central City, NE and Leonard Dibbern of Grand Island, NE; and sister, Eleanor Petzoldt of Grand Island, NE.

He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn in 1996.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland on August 11, 2003 at 1:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at Richland Lutheran Church at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held on Sunday August 10, 2003 from 1:00-5:00pm at Einan’s Funeral home in Richland.

Memorials can be made in Lawrence’s name to Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen, Richland, WA 99352.

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Lawrence Ernest Dibbern

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  • Larry was the best next door neighbor anybody could have. Jim built a gate through the back fence so we could all be “back door guests” at any time. Larry really died when his children forced him out of his home and would not allow him to die in his own bed. After everything he did for them, it was heartbreaking to see this happen. He begged us to “get him out of here” the nursing homes, numerous times. He deserved to die at home. Judy will have to live with what she did to him in his final months on this earth. In talking to the nursing staff at each facility, they concurred that the family really wanted Larry “to just let go”. Larry doesn’t have to let any of his “family” hurt him anymore and he is finally with someone who will let him rest in peace in heaven. He deserved to die at home.

    Jim and Marie
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Larry was the best next door neighbor anybody could have. Jim built a gate through the back fence so we could all be “back door guests” at any time. Larry really died when his children forced him out of his home and would not allow him to die in his own bed. After everything he did for them, it was heartbreaking to see this happen. He begged us to “get him out of here” the nursing homes, numerous times. He deserved to die at home. Judy will have to live with what she did to him in his final months on this earth. In talking to the nursing staff at each facility, they concurred that the family really wanted Larry “to just let go”. Larry doesn’t have to let any of his “family” hurt him anymore and he is finally with someone who will let him rest in peace in heaven. He deserved to die at home.

    Jim and Marie
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • I am very sorry Jody, Sharleen and Larry that your Father has passed away. How lucky for you to have a Father like Larry.

    I feel extremely fortunate that Larry was my good Friend and neighbor. He was full of wisdom, laughter and good jokes.

    I will miss your homemade dinner rolls, smoked salmon and home brews, but more so, that big smile that you always wore on your face Larry.

    You always have been and always will be our dear Friend, and we LOVE You and thank You very much for everything Larry, My Condolences, Jim Whitescarver

    PS- Go Mariners!!!

    Jim Whitescarver
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • I first met Larry as a customer, but I soon knew Larry as a warmhearted friend that I love to see come in our store to just talk, tell great storys and swap lies. I am sure God has saved a place for Larry! With condolences; Rick & Cathy Poynor

    Rick and Cathy Poynor
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
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