DELWIN LARRY HERRA “BUCKY”

**Updated Service Information: The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Larry on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Elburn Lion’s Park, 500 Filmore Street, Elburn, IL 60119. At 5:00p.m., the United States Army will be presenting military honors.

Delwin Larry Herra “Bucky”, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Larry was born in Aurora, IL on September 2, 1943, to proud parents, George and Mary Herra (nee Kessel).

Larry grew up in Elburn, IL and attended local school, graduating from Kaneland High School class of 1962. Larry met the love of his life shortly after getting out of the military. He attended a party at Maxine’s house and the rest was history.  They married on February 17, 1968 at the Community Congregational Church of Elburn.

During high school Larry helped his dad at their family-owned grocery store, Herra Grocery and Market, helping out with odds and ends.  He also regularly helped on the local farms.  He was known for his strong work ethic and his reliable friendly nature. Also, during high school Larry went to work at the Elburn Packing Plant helping with deliveries around the local area.  He was extremely busy because he also played on the Kaneland High School football team, the basketball team, and was a pole vaulter on the track team. In 1964, Larry was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed in Germany where he received combat training.  In 1966, Larry returned home from the Army and took up working again at the Elburn Packing Plant, full-time.  He worked for the Packing Plant as a butcher until they closed the doors in the mid 80’s. After his time ended at the packing house he worked for the state as a “snow bird” plowing the local streets. His time working as a plow driver was short, but memorable.  After leaving his plowing job he luckily got his foot in the door working as a drill rigger for the state of IL’s highway division.  He ran machinery that took core samples of various roads to check their integrity.  He proudly worked on the highways until he retired at the age of 65.

Larry took great pride in 25 years spent serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Elburn and Countryside Fire Department.  During his years of service, he responded to countless emergency calls.  He was also a proud member of the Elburn American Legion Post 630.

Larry had a great sense of humor and liked to tell jokes.  If Larry was around, you would know it by his loud, infectious laugh.  His outgoing nature made him many lifelong friends over the years.  Larry spread joy wherever he travelled.  He loved hunting and fishing with his family.  Some of his best memories are of taking the family camping in various locations across the country. Larry’s most important job was being a grandpa.  He loved to spoil his grandkids.  If you asked Larry, his grandchildren could do no wrong. Larry was a sweet natured man, who made friends wherever he went, he will be missed dearly by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife, Maxine Herra; his children: Judy (Jay) Jahns, Kevin (Jenny Lewin) Herra, and Jeff (Dana) Herra; his grandchildren: Allison (Gabe) Henry, Katie Jahns, Eric Jahns, Elijah Herra, and Dylan Herra; his siblings: Leroy (Carol) Herra, Darlene (Terry) Terrill, and Yogi Herra; as well as many nieces and nephews; and a whole family of friends.

Larry is reunited with his parents, George and Mary Herra; his siblings: Marie Fraunburg, Jack Herra, Richard Herra, and Janet Herra who passed in infancy.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Larry on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Elburn Lion’s Park, 500 Filmore Street, Elburn, IL 60119. At 5:00p.m., the United States Army will be presenting military honors.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bucky’s name. Checks may be made to the “Bucky Herra Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.