Larry Roberts Gegner

Larry Roberts Gegner, at the age of 95 years, eleven months, and one day, was welcomed home when he passed at Brookdale Rosehill in Shawnee, KS, on Aug. 31.

Mr. Gegner was born on Sept. 30, 1930, in Des Moines, IA., the only child of Hilda and Harold Gegner. Hilda died when her son was five years old, and he was subsequently raised by his maternal grandparents, Vail and Lillian Knowlton of Urbandale. He graduated from Dowling High School and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, entering active duty on June 21, 1951, until his Honorable Discharge on Aug. 28, 1952. He served as a Radio Operator on the U.S.S. Diamond Head, AE 19 in the Mediterranean Sea. He was able to make an Honor Flight trip with his eldest daughter at age 80.

One afternoon, Mr. Gegner and his cousin, Jack Hitchcock, were out for a drive when they spied two young women strolling to the tennis courts. They stopped and asked them if they would like a ride. Kay Hacker paired up with the young Larry Gegner and they discovered that they shared a love of horseback riding and he had a horse! The two set out for happy trails when they wed on May 28, 1955, and recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. Mrs. Gegner said she knew that life would never be dull with her mate.

Mr. Gegner worked for the U.S. Postal Service, first in Des Moines on the loading dock, then as a clerk, before serving as a temporary postmaster in Van Wert, IA., then moving to Keswick, IA., where he served as postmaster until his retirement at age 55. He also served as a bus driver for many years for the Grimes-Dallas Center School District.

As his family can attest, he was a man of MANY interests, packing a lot of living in his nearly 96 years on Earth. During his lifetime, he served as a mortuary intern, taught swimming lessons in his backyard pool, helped his wife with her ceramics studio, tried his hand at raising chinchillas and making homemade wine and beer, auctioneering, small engine repair, ham radio operation, CB radio operation, educated the Mennonite community on preparing their departed for burial, raised several breeds of dogs, and showed American Saddlebreds. His wife and children often joked that he seemed to think he would live forever …he was always making plans for his next dream! Up until he was age 93, Mr. Gegner was the talk of the Tiffany Springs retirement community, where he lived briefly, for his performance in the gym, working out pumping iron every day!

The Gegner family made their home in Des Moines, Indianola, Urbandale, Grimes, Van Wert, and Keswick, IA., until the couple moved to an acreage in Jerico Springs, MO., where Mr. Gegner took a part-time job giving tours of the Fantastic Caverns. They then settled on an acreage just south of Buffalo, MO., where they lived for nearly 30 years, raising dogs and horses.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife, Kay Marie, of Brookdale Rosehill in Shawnee; his four children: Lorette Louise Sand (Richard) of Kansas City, MO., Michelle Marie Lehr of Roeland Park, KS, Brian Patrick Gegner (Kerry) of Martensdale, IA., and Lisa Bernadette of Pleasureville, KY.; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Ariel D’Errico (Marc and children Berklee and Cooper) of Olathe, KS; Jordan Gegner (Kara and children Josie, Brock and Bowen) of Waukee, IA; Hunter Lehr of Chicago, IL; and Emily Powell (Breighen and Penelope, Octavia and Alessandra) of Polk City, IA.

Dad was passionate not only about his Catholic faith, his family, and his country, but about his “furbabies” as well. He was heard to whisper to his dog, Ranger, an Australian Shepherd mini they raised as a pup, “Ranger, you’re my best friend.” One of Dad’s final wishes was that “My boy be with me when it’s time for me to go.” He was. Ranger laid in bed with him for three days as Dad finished his days on Earth and was there cuddled up next to him at the very end. EXACTLY as our dad wanted to go.
A Rosary and Reception are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. in The Majestic at Brookdale Rosehill, 12802 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66216.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 14 at 4 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Redemptorist Catholic Church, 3333 Broadway Blvd., KCMO 64111. Condolences may be offered to the family 30 minutes prior to Mass. A light supper will be served in the Garden Room, following Mass.

Mr. Gegner will be laid to rest with military honors during burial at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Ave., Des Moines, IA., 50311, on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Sympathy cards may be sent to Mrs. Kay Gegner, 12802 Johnson Drive, Apt. 218, Shawnee, KS 66216.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woof for Vets in Dad’s name www.woofforvets.org.

A very special thanks to the wonderful staff at Brookdale Rosehill for their loving care, patience and understanding they have shown our parents in the twilight of their lives. It means more than you can ever know, and a big hug to Dad’s special CNA, Desiree’, for giving him extra care and companionship. You are an angel.

And lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to Monsignor Mullen for his spiritual presence and comfort, coupled with that of Catholic Community Health Hospice, especially the nurses, and Tobi, Deacon Michael, Jenni, Sharon, Lori, and other volunteers. You have all afforded us relief and peace of mind. Dad asked to be buried with the special horse coverlet he was gifted by one of the hospice staff. Blessings to all of you. You have truly been a gift.

The Family of Larry Roberts Gegner
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