Larry Allen Leistikow

Master Sergeant Larry Allen Leistikow, 74, passed away on December 6, 2025, at Wellstar Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, Georgia. He was held and surrounded by his family during his passing. Born on June 30, 1951, in Waterloo, Iowa, Larry lived a life marked by service, scholarship, and deep devotion to his family and country.

Larry began his military journey in 1974 as an Administrative Specialist in the United States Air Force. In 1976, he joined the Iowa Air National Guard, where he would serve with distinction for nearly three decades. Rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, Larry played a vital role as an Intelligence Operations Craftsman. His career took him across the globe on numerous missions that reflected his unwavering commitment to national security and global peace.

Among his many deployments were Operation ELF-1 in Saudi Arabia during the Iran-Iraq War in 1983; drug interdiction missions in the Bahamas, Honduras, and Panama throughout the 1980s and early 1990s; NATO exercises in Northern Norway in 1992; Exercise FOAL EAGLE in South Korea in 1997; assignments to Ramstein Air Base in Germany and Incirlik Air Base in Turkey for Operation NORTHERN WATCH in 1999; Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in 2001; and Operation NOBLE EAGLE following the events of September 11. Even after his official deactivation, Larry continued to serve by deploying to Ganci Air Base at Manas in Kyrgyzstan during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2002. His dedication to duty left a lasting impact on those who served alongside him.

Larry's professional life also included a long-standing career at John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works. He retired in 1997 as an Industrial Trucker Operator and held the distinction of being the youngest person to retire from the company at that time.

Education was a lifelong pursuit for Larry. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from North Iowa Area Community College in 1991, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Northern Iowa in 2006. He went on to complete two master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in National Security from American Military University in 2012 and a Master of Philosophy Degree in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security from Walden University in 2024. With a GPA of 3.8 and recognition on the Dean’s List at both institutions, Larry exemplified academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.

Larry was known for his storytelling—whether recounting overseas missions, sharing college memories, or quoting lines from his favorite movies. His love for his country was evident not only through his military service but also through his deep belief in protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Equally strong was his love for family. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, always sending cards and heartfelt wishes that reminded loved ones how much they mattered to him.

Larry is survived by his wife Brenda; sisters Lois Thomason, Jo Ann Nelson, and Marian Watts (David); daughter Lacey Heasley (Josh), daughter Holly Kapler (Kevin); son Christopher Leistikow (Addy); son Robert Speed; and his beloved grandchildren Steven and Magnolia Heasley.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Florence (Long) Leistikow; brother Gary Leistikow; and brothers-in-law Larry Thomason and Gary Nelson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. At Immanuel Lutheran Church, 4820 Oster Pkwy, Cedar Falls, IA. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Parrott and Wood Funeral Home, 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo, IA. Burial will follow service at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Rites being performed by the United States Air Force and Amvets Post 31. 

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and gratitude to all who benefited from his service