OTIS — Lawrence Jerome “Larry” “L.J.” Krestine, 80, passed away Oct. 31, 2023, at Wheatland Nursing Center of Russell. He was born Aug. 8, 1943, at Great Bend, the son of William J. Krestine, Sr. and Clara M. (Zirnich) Krestine. He had been married to Anita (Gibson) and Ann (Hetzel), and later married LaWanna (Slocum) Clark on June 12, 1999, at Holton. 

A current Otis resident, Larry was a graduate of Otis High School and Emporia State University, with degrees in mathematics education and business. Larry served the community of Holton and the surrounding area as an insurance agent for many years, as well as operating an antique mall. Previous to his move to Holton, he managed the Grand Hotel in Horton, worked as an upper level math teacher, and raised chickens and hogs in rural Huron. Never having idle hands, he always managed to find time to help with wheat harvest on the family farm. He was a member of the Horton Jaycees, Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Otis Happy Age Senior Group and served as various officer positions, including president of the Jaycees and Happy Age Group. Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, refinishing antique furniture, playing cards and games, telling jokes and stories, KU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. 

Survivors include, his wife, LaWanna of the home; three daughters, Marsha Krestine of Kansas City, Mo., Michelle “Shelly” May of Bonner Springs and Marie Gardner of Palmer, Ak; four stepchildren, Kathy Groth (Les) of Cloquet, Minn., Julie Kincaid of Claremore, Okla., Lonnie Morris (Lynne) of Topeka and Ryan Clark of Easton; a sister, Evelyn “Sally” Medlock of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Trey May, Olivia May, Coyd Gardner and Cyla Gardner; 11 step grandchildren; and 27 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Anita; a step daughter, Sheila Carpenter; a brother, William “Bill” Krestine; two sisters, Ramona Torrez and Evangeline “Sherry” Jobes; three step grandchildren, David Groth, Christopher Clark and Brianna M. Clark.  

Visitation will be held from 9 to service time, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 415 N Main St., Hoisington, with family to receive friends from 1 to service time, and Memorial service to be held at 2 p.m., with Stan Ewy, SAM presiding. Inurnment will be held at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Memorials have been designated to Otis Fire Department, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS.  67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 4, 2023