Lawrence Lyman Obituary

Lawrence R. Lyman of Altoona, formerly of Des Moines, passed into eternal rest on October 22, 2025. He was 93 years old.

Born June 29, 1932, in Toledo to Forrest A. and Alice E. (Youse) Lyman, Lawrence was a sixth-generation Iowan. He worked full-time through his teens to help support his family, and was a 1950 graduate of Marshalltown High School. Lawrence devoted 45 years of his adult life to the grocery business, culminating as a meat manager with Dahl’s Foods. He had the good fortune of spending one-third of his years in retirement, enjoying pastimes including painting, reading, tinkering in his workshop, and scouring garage sales. He was a Master Mason, affiliated with Waveland Park Lodge.

Lawrence married Jeanine M. Raffensperger on January 16, 1956, in Des Moines. They enjoyed each other’s company, love and devotion for seven decades. They resided in the Beaverdale neighborhood for nearly 65 years, where they raised three children. They worshiped at Glen Echo Christian Church and previously, First Federated. He was a cancer survivor and owed much gratitude to the medical community for miracles afforded both him and his family.

Although he was a very private person, those who knew Lawrence appreciated his wit and sarcasm. They also recognized his integrity and no-nonsense approach to life. He was curious about the world and possessed knowledge of many things. Lawrence was a dedicated father and strived to provide all of his family's needs. His work ethic was unparalleled.

In addition to his wife Jeanine, Lawrence is survived by his son, Lynden (Amy) of Concord, MA, granddaughter Elizabeth Ferguson (Stephen) of Indianapolis, grandsons Alek Lyman of Chicago and Jackson Lyman of Boston; great-grandson Isaac Ferguson; and sons-in-law Gary Hendricks of Des Moines and Dr. James (Kleo) Kleanthous of Chelsea, MI. He was preceded in death by his daughters Laurene Hendricks and Elaine Kleanthous, and his sister Louise Houghton.

No service for Lawrence is planned. You would honor him and his family by performing a random act of kindness today. May his memory be a blessing.

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