Larry K. Dresher

Larry Keith Dresher, 84, died Tuesday, February 27, 2024, of myeloid leukemia at his Oregon home with family by his side.

Larry was born October 13, 1939, in McPherson, Kan., to Donald and Marcella (Stansel) Dresher.

Larry lived in Windom, Kan., from birth to 1950 when the family moved to the Dresher family farm in Canton, Kan. Larry graduated from Canton High School in 1957 where he was very active in music and athletics. He went on to attend McPherson College and graduated in 1961 with a major in Biology and a minor in Education. 

Larry married Darla “Jeanne” Hinkle in 1962. They had two children, Danny and Tess.

Larry taught high school biology for two years in Gardner, Kan., before attending Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated from K-State in 1967 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. He went on to practice veterinary medicine in Dinuba and Thousand Oaks, Calif. He co-owned the Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic for 33 years where he served as Chief of Staff. Dr. Dresher worked throughout his career primarily as an equine veterinarian, while taking a considerable role in exotic and small animal medicine. He also gave lectures on topics of equine practice and group practice management at seminars, state conventions, 4-H, FFA and horse breed association meetings. 

After phasing out of full-time practice, he continued to do relief work, consulting, serving as a veterinary judge for endurance rides, educational programs for local veterinary medical associations and as a volunteer with youth groups. He participated as a volunteer veterinarian from 2010-2013 with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska.

Larry married Ginny Angell in 1981. They resided in Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., before moving to the Arroyo Grande, Calif., area in 2000. 

In 2009, Larry married Madeline Hartley. Together they built a beautiful home on five acres in Prineville, Ore. Together they enjoyed traveling extensively.

Larry enjoyed nature, birdwatching, fly-fishing, trap shooting and traditional archery. He was involved in Barbershop music and was active in the church choir. He was a man of compassion, intelligence and integrity.

Larry is survived by his wife Madeline Dresher, children Danny Dresher and Tess Freimuth, son-in-law Wes Freimuth, grandchildren Gabe and Brooke, brother Merlin Dresher, step-children Greg Hartley and wife Shauna Hartley, Jill Gillis and husband Richard Gillis and step-grandchildren Ryan, Jonathon, Matt and Michael.

Instead of flowers, a donation to your animal shelter would be his wish.