Larry J. Christener

Larry J. Christener, 71, of Marysville died Thursday, May 6, 2010 at St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 10, 2010 at the Evangelical United Church of Christ, Marysville. The Rev. Judy Scott officiated. Deb Landoll played the organ while the congregation sang “Amazing Grace”. Jeremy Nolte played the guitar and sang “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. The pallbearers were Jon Schell, Eric Jacques, Kyle Brooks, Joey O’toole, Lucas Brooks, Donnie O’toole, Jason Weber and Matt Borgerding. The honorary pallbearers were Gary Jacques, Ron Jacques, Wes Johnson, Cap Nester, Bob Griswold, Jim Cohorst, Ron Kjellberg, Lee Weber and Denny Schell. Burial was in the Home Cemetery, Home, KS. Larry was born April 7, 1939, on the family farm near Home, KS, son of Fritz J. and Rose W. (Kloxin) Christener. Being born and raised on the farm it was his life ambition. After graduating high school he married the love of his life, Glenda Kelley. Together they started their lives farming until Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961. Being the big husky farm kid he was the Army made him a nurse. While stationed in Germany the lovebirds made the best of their time touring and sight seeing. They visited many places in Austria, Spain and Italy and enjoyed dining at the Eiffel Tower, attending the Tulip Festival in Holland and many other lifelong memories. After his discharge from the Army in 1963, he returned to what he knew best, farming. Larry only knew one way to live, work hard and play harder. The fun things in life to him were tractor pulling, riding motorcycles, dancing and enjoying life with the many friends and family he had. In 1968 they adopted their first child, Richard Dean, and then followed by Lori Lynn in 1971. He often combined the two things he loved the most by spending hours on the tractor with the kids on his lap. Through the years the kids grew up he rarely missed their school or sporting events. After giving up farming he pursued another of his passions, cars. He started a detail and customizing shop, making the old look new. Nobody really knows how many hours went into his pride and joy, his 1950 Dodge Coronet. He enjoyed taking his car to various car shows. Larry decided to retire but it was not an easy decision. Soon he had too much time on his hands and returned and worked for Rail Express where he would drive railroaders. He had a captive audience to visit with. Larry loved people and would do anything for anybody. He served his church and American Legion. Many people will miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Janice Weber. Survivors include his wife, Glenda; son, Richard Christener, Marysville; daughter, Lori Christener, Kansas City; one sister, Delores Harries, Marysville; and four grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry J. Christener, please visit our flower store.