Larry C. Bland

Larry C. Bland, 89, of Willshire, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Swiss Village in Berne, Indiana. Larry was born on September 25, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Lester C. and Helen (Stapleton) Bland. On August 23, 1957, he married the former JoAnn F. Gilbert. Larry retired from B.F. Goodrich after many years of service. After retiring, he continued to work alongside George Adam in construction.

Larry was a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion and the Rockford Eagles. He also held a past membership with the Free and Accepted Masons in Monroeville, Indiana. He enjoyed Hunting, auto racing, and he loved showing off his 1932 Ford Roadster at car shows. Larry cherished traveling with his wife, JoAnn, and spending summers at Crooked Lake and winters in Manasota Key, Florida.

He leaves behind his loving daughter, Jackie (Jeff) Caffee of Geneva, Indiana, and his siblings: Marilyn Winn of Ft Wayne, Shirley (James) Milender of Arizona, Priscilla (Rich) Burch of Ft Wayne, Rebecca (Norm) Fick of Ft Wayne and Ed (Babs) Bland of Monroeville . Larry was a proud grandfather to Amber Roman, Zach Caffee, Jake Caffee, and Keith Roman; and a great grandfather of six.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 61 years, JoAnn F. Bland; and a son, L. Dean Bland.

A private family celebration of life will be held in honor of Larry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Friends of Limberlost, P.O. Box 571, Geneva, Indiana, 46740.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.