Larry G. Bass
Larry was born to Earl and Leona (Kiefer) Bass on June 27, 1936, in Laurel, Nebraska (population 920). He died at home on November 6, 2023, in Leavenworth, Kansas. He is predeceased by his parents and an infant sister.
Growing up in Laurel, Larry held many jobs including newspaper carrier, pin-setter at the bowling alley, farmhand, and helping his uncle take cattle and hogs to the stockyards. He wasn't sure if he helped much in this last job or just got in the way!
He attended Laurel public schools, graduating from high school in 1954. During high school he played basketball, football, ran track, and was the first-chair cornet in the band.
Following his graduation, Larry enlisted and served honorably in the United States Navy from 1954-1957. He went to boot camp in San Diego, attended schools in Oklahoma and Tennessee, and was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Naples, Italy. He returned to Nebraska after his service.
On July 28, 1957, he married his school classmate, Velma Huetig, who survives him at home. He is also survived by his two daughters, Barbara Ann Henderson (Todd) of Painesville, Ohio, and Brenda Sue Bass (David Bezona) of St.Joseph, Missouri. He is also survived by grandsons Gregory Henderson of Willoughby, Ohio, and Bradley Henderson of Willowick, Ohio. Also surviving are one niece, three nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends from the class of 1954.
He attended junior college in Norfolk, Nebraska and finished his degree in Business Administration in 1961 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He interned for the Veterans Administration in Lincoln for a year before transferring to the Leavenworth VA center in 1962, where he worked until his retirement in 1991.
Larry was involved in many different activities throughout his life. He was in a bowling league (until he came home one night and threw the ball and bag right in the garbage can) and played basketball for a church league (not for long though - too many younger players). Due to his abilities as an accountant, he often served as treasurer for his church and other organizations: He served for a while on the Board of Regents for St. John's College in Winfield, Kansas. He and Velma served as Senior Youth Group counselors for quite a few years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Leavenworth. He was instrumental in the building of the new sanctuary at Trinity. Larry enjoyed camping with his family and the youth group with trips to Texas, Minnesota, Wyoming and Arkansas. Larry enjoyed singing - he sang in the Leavenworth Barbershop group and in church choirs for many years. He was even in a community production of "The Music Man" where he was the Whaddya Talk' salesman. Collecting David Winter Cottages became a fascination and challenge for him, and his extensive collection is displayed throughout their home. He and Velma traveled quite a bit visiting family and attending Lutheran Women's Missionary League conventions at the district and national levels. They participated in several Elderhostels. They walked many steps in Volksmarches and in Relay for Life events. Larry became Father Christmas at the annual Christmas Market sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran Church in downtown Leavenworth. For many years, he and Velma were church custodians - first at Trinity and then at St. Paul. He could swing a pretty mean mop!
Central to Larry's life was his deep faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He set an example of faithful living for his family, and for those he influenced in his many activities. He attended Bible studies, men's group and faithfully attended worship where he was a regular lector. Even as his health declined, he worshipped through live streaming, and would often join in the hymns and liturgy from memory.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the army of caregivers who made it possible for Larry to stay at home for the past five years. We started with Caregiving Because We Care (especially Nita and Annamarie), and then added Crittendon Home Care (especially the final core group of Julie, Amy, Candice, Samantha, and Beatrice). VITAS Hospice services were added in the last year and a half. Special thanks go to Karena and Gloria who provided care for Larry from day one. We could not have done it without any of you and will be forever thankful for the care and love you provided.
The family requests that no flowers or plants be sent. Please make any memorial donations to Paul's Buffet at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 311 North 7th St. or to Trinity House at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2101 10th Ave, both in Leavenworth, Kansas, or to a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be on Friday November 17, 2023 from 10 to 11 A.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 A.M. at the Church.
The service will be live streamed at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Facebook Page.
