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Oakland Today
By the People, for the People
Larry Argotsinger, Longtime Oakland Pharmacist, Dies at 85
Argotsinger was a dedicated member of the RLDS Church and active in his community.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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Larry Eugene Argotsinger, a longtime pharmacist in Oakland, Iowa, passed away on January 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Argotsinger was born in Dow City, Iowa, and grew up on a farm near Woodbine before serving in the Army Reserves and earning a pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He owned and operated Criswell Pharmacy in Oakland for many years before retiring at age 70.
Why it matters
Argotsinger was a pillar of the Oakland community, known for his service as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, as well as his active involvement in the RLDS Church. His passing marks the end of an era for the small town, as he was a beloved figure who dedicated much of his life to serving others.
The details
After purchasing Criswell Pharmacy in 1966, Argotsinger ran the business until 1984 when he sold it and moved to Monroe, Missouri for a short time before returning to Oakland. He continued working as a pharmacy relief at No Frills and Pamida until his retirement at age 70. Argotsinger was a dedicated member of the RLDS Church, where he served in various leadership roles including as a Priest, youth leader, young adult leader, and counselor at church camps.
- Larry Argotsinger was born on January 27, 1940 in Dow City, Iowa.
- He graduated from Woodbine High School in 1958.
- Argotsinger married Bonnie Rae Sorenson on September 11, 1960 in Woodbine, Iowa.
- He purchased Criswell Pharmacy in Oakland, Iowa in 1966.
- Argotsinger sold the pharmacy in 1984 and moved to Monroe, Missouri before returning to Oakland.
- He retired from pharmacy work at the age of 70.
- Argotsinger passed away on January 25, 2026 at the age of 85 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The players
Larry Eugene Argotsinger
A longtime pharmacist in Oakland, Iowa who owned and operated Criswell Pharmacy for many years before retiring at age 70. He was also an active member of the RLDS Church and volunteer in his community.
Bonnie Rae Sorenson
Argotsinger's wife of 65 years.
Kenneth Barnard and Betty Lou (Riddle) Argotsinger
Larry Argotsinger's parents.
Walter and Marjorie Sorenson
Larry Argotsinger's in-laws.
Bruce and Scott Argotsinger
Larry Argotsinger's sons.
What’s next
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Prairie Gate Senior Living on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM, followed by visitation with the family until 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Larry's name.
The takeaway
Larry Argotsinger's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Oakland, Iowa, where he was a beloved figure known for his decades of service as a pharmacist, volunteer firefighter and EMT, and active member of the RLDS Church. His commitment to his family, faith, and community will be deeply missed.
