Laurence “Larry” Wurtenberger

Laurence "Larry" Wurtenberger, 78, passed into eternal rest May 6, 2009 at home in Shawnee surrounded by his loving family. He had battled pancreatic cancer for three years.

Laurence was born in Kansas City, Missouri on May 1, 1931 to Frank and Catherine (Enderle) Wurtenberger. His family moved to Mission in 1935. Laurence was a lifelong and fervent Catholic and member of the first graduating class of St. Agnes High School in 1949 (now Bishop Miege). He married his high school sweetheart, Lida Joy Hardy, in 1952 and moved to Shawnee. They were blessed with nine children. He was a member of St. Joseph Church for 56 years, a member of the Legion of Mary there for 48 of them. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in 1987. Laurence retired from Kansas City Power & Light in 1990 after working there for 31 years. After retirement, he and Lida owned and operated Wurtenberger Upholstery for 22 years. He graduated with honors from Park College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1982 while working full time and raising a family.

Laurence was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest son, David, and brothers, Francis and Pete. He is survived by Lida, his wife of 57 years; sons, Greg, Joe and wife Lee, John and wife Susan, Andy and wife Emily; daughters, Connie Zienkewicz and husband Stan, Mary Gillard and husband Lewis, Carol Losey and husband Bill, Rosemarie Gerringer and husband Gary; 28 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Catholic Community Hospice 9740 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212 or Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5901 Flint, Shawnee, Kansas 66203. Masses for the repose of his soul would also be appreciated.

Visitation and Funeral Services

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 8 at the church. A Rosary will be said at 6 p.m., with the Legion of Mary Rosary at 8 p.m.