Bench dedicated in honor of Larry ‘Mr. Bettendorf’ Makoben

Visitors at the Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf now have another bench to sit on, relax, enjoy the views and prepare for another round of golf. But that new, black metal bench is much more than a place to rest; it’s a place to remember a man some people called “Mr. Bettendorf.” The memorial […]

Visitors at the Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf now have another bench to sit on, relax, enjoy the views and prepare for another round of golf. But that new, black metal bench is much more than a place to rest; it’s a place to remember a man some people called “Mr. Bettendorf.”

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The memorial bench in honor of the late Larry Makoben was the center of attention  Wednesday, June 5, during a Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. That event was held at the start of the 2024 Chamber Golf Outing, which was one of Mr. Makoben’s favorite events. “I think Larry would have a big smile on his face and say ‘Hurry up, let’s get this golf outing started,’” said Ray Terronez, a friend and colleague of Mr. Makoben since the 1980s, during Wednesday’s brief ceremony. He added that his late friend was a “humble man” and probably would not have wanted people to make a big fuss over him with the bench ceremony. Mr. Makoben, a retired banker in the community, died on Jan. 17 at the age of 83. His career took him from the Bettendorf Bank, Northwest Bank, Wells Fargo Bank and ultimately, the IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, where he retired several years ago. In addition to his banking career, the Bettendorf man was well known for his work in and around the community. He was a volunteer on many boards and did many jobs, big and small, to help improve the Quad Cities. Some of his many connections to the community included being a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, where he helped welcome businesses to the community through ribbon-cutting ceremonies and other events; chairman of the Bettendorf Park Board for 22 years; member of the QC Morning Optimist Club; founding member and on the board of directors for the Bettendorf Business Network; and on the Bettendorf Fourth of July Committee. The Bettendorf community recognized his efforts last summer when they named him the grand marshal of the city’s Fourth of July Parade. During the ceremony at Palmer Hills, several people commented how Mr. Makoben touched many lives in the community through his volunteer work and kindness. “I think Larry would have been pretty proud of everybody who came out here today to honor him,” said an emotional Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher, who was a longtime friend of Mr. Makoben. In addition to remembering and sharing stories about their late friend, people at Wednesday’s ceremony were also admiring the new bench. That bench, located near the first hole of the golf course, has a plaque on it that reads: “In celebration of Larry Makoben. From friends & fans!” During Wednesday's ceremony, there were also two small bottles of alcohol placed in a cup holder at the end of the bench. There was also a paper sign that noted Mr. Makoben’s nickname – Lar Bear – next to the bench. The sign stated “Lar Bear’s Bench.” “‘Mr. Bettendorf’ will always be remembered right here at the golf course,” Mayor Gallagher added.