Larry James Hutzel

Larry James Hutzel, 86, of Altoona passed away after a brief illness. He was born April 24, 1939, and died on August 1, 2025.

He served in the U S Army in 1959, active for 18 months and reserves for four years. Then in 1965, he joined the Des Moines Police Department and retired as a Detective in 1996.

He always loved old cars and owned many of them, mainly Model A Fords. His favorite music was gospel quartets. If there was a car race on tv or in person, he was always there to watch.

He is survived by his wife Dixie, daughters Jane Tucker and Penny Nuzum, step-sons Mason Tholl (Lola) and George Tholl (Rebecca), five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Gary, Jerry and Bob and his sisters Francis and Ellen.

Services will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Trinity on Fifth, 602 5th Avenue SW, Altoona, IA 50009, where he was a member. Family will begin greeting guests at 10:30 a.m., with funeral starting at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Burial will then take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity on Fifth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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Gary Munoz

08/08/2025

I had always known him as "Joe" who went on several fishing trips with me, my dad Lupe, my brother Jon, and several of my other military buddies. Joe would join us in our Lake Michigan salmon fishing excursions in the late part of March when the winds were blowing and the waves were choppy. Nonetheless, we always had good luck with the fish.

Joe added so much to these group gatherings as he had so many law enforcement stories which he told to the rest of us. None of the rest of us could match him for his vivid storytelling. His stories were always factual and concise. These were things and events which actually happened to him while he wore the police badge. He had a way of making these stores so exciting and interesting that we always looked forward to his attendance at these outings.

We are all so sad to hear of his departure from this earth. There will never be another one like our dear ole Joe. He is resting with The Lord at this time. Thank you, Joe, for all that you gave to us. We will remember you forever.

Our sincere condolences to your wife and your family.

Gary & Susie Munoz

Bill McCarthy

08/05/2025

Worked with Larry for a few years on the East side. He was even tempered and professional and a great mentor. I deeply respect him.

Dave Williamson

08/04/2025

Larry was a true old school Police Officer. I got to know Larry at a young age at the Department when he worked as a Detective in the property section on the East side with Joan Warne and my Uncle Joe. Larry and my Dad were the same age, went to high school and came on the Department together.
What I have to say about Larry is that he was a gentleman! I would always enjoy our conversations on the third floor and at Menards in Altoona after his retirement when we would see each other. He always asked about my Dad and had a nice comment to say about him.

My condolences to his family.

Dave Williamson, Runnells, IA

Jenna Hutzel

08/02/2025

I will miss the stories from Grandpa and you. Sending love to Dixie and family.