A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown. His funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. Ken Zuitoff. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, with military rites provided by the Prophetstown American Legion. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established for the Prophetstown Eclipse Square Veterans Memorial Park.
Larry was born on January 28, 1950, in Kewanee, IL, to Robert L. and Donna L. (Werkheiser) VanDyke. He attended Cambridge, IL public schools and graduated high school in 1968. He then attended Danville Junior College, earning an associate degree in Police Science (Law Enforcement) in 1970. Following his education, Larry served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972 as a military police officer. He later worked as a deputy sheriff with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time police officer with the Cambridge Police Department before joining the Prophetstown Police Department on February 14, 1974, where he served as police chief. He then dedicated 20 years as chief deputy with the Whiteside County Sheriffs Office before retiring on December 1, 2010. Even after retirement, he continued his service as a Whiteside County Sheriff’s mounted patrol deputy until his full retirement on November 14, 2018.
Larry also devoted 42 years of service as an emergency medical technician with the Prophetstown Ambulance Service, retiring in May 2018.
On February 15, 1975, Larry married Lynda M. Ricknell in Walnut, IL. Together, they raised two children, Eric and Angela.
Larry was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Prophetstown. He was instrumental in the design, development, and maintenance of the Prophetstown Eclipse Square Veterans Memorial Park and received the Illinois Humanities Council Service Award in 2007 for his contributions.
He was a longtime member of the Prophetstown American Legion Post 522, serving as commander for many years. Additionally, Larry was an active member of Prophetstown Masonic Lodge No. 293, obtaining his 32nd degree at the Scottish Rite in Moline, IL. His leadership extended to the Prophetstown Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the board of directors and as chamber president for two years.
Within the law enforcement community, Larry played an active role, serving on the board of the Northwest Illinois Criminal Justice Commission for 20 years. He was recognized as Whiteside County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1994 and was a member of the Illinois Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Illinois Sheriff’s Association.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He made over 60 trips to Canada for fishing adventures and spent countless hours fishing locally on the Rock River and Mississippi River. Above all, he treasured fishing outings with his four grandsons, making lasting memories on the water.
Survivors include his wife, Lynda; his children, Eric L. (Chelsie) VanDyke of Prophetstown, IL, and Angela M. (Donnie) Appleman of Ocala, FL; grandsons, Gavin and Brevin VanDyke and Eli and Jake Appleman; and one sister, Cindy L. (Art) Ries of Geneseo, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmagibson.com.
4 Responses
I was proud to serve in the Army with Larry. He was the most dedicated and devoted military policeman I ever met. You could always depend on Larry if you needed a backup. His love for God, country and family was second to none.
He was community minded and worked hard to make the Eclipse Veterans Park a reality. He will be missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren and community. Prayers to family.
Larry was very involved in the community. He spent a lot of time and work into eclipse square. His biggest treasure was his family
A wonderful man, so dedicated to his profession and community. I often saw him floating down the Rock River in his boat looking for that elusive “Big One”. God’s Peace To You Larry and your family.