Lawrence "Larry" J. Wurtz

Larry Wurtz, 72, of Linn, KS, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Visitation was Monday, February 28, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Linn. The family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greenleaf. Father Joseph Kieffer officiated. Sheila Ouellette was organist and the congregation sang “On Eagles Wings” and “How Great Thou Art.” Pallbearers were Matt Ohlde, Todd Ohlde, Brian Oldehoeft, Don Lehman, Ryan Cairns, Chris Cairns, Brett Wurtz and Claire Wohler. Burial was in the Linn City Cemetery. Larry was born October 28, 1949, in Concordia, KS, to Loren and Ethel (McNamara) Wurtz. He attended and graduated from Linn Schools in 1967. On April 6, 1973, he married Audrey Cairns in Greenleaf, KS. The couple settled in their home in Linn the same year and lived there raising four children for the past 48 years. After two short careers in the restaurant and construction industries, Larry moved on to become custodian at the county courthouse in Washington and then at Linn High School. Larry would spend the next 36 years working for USD 223, initially as custodian and then as transportation director. His enjoyment of working with the local schools and its patrons would continue after retirement in 2012, as Larry would continue working part time as a bus driver for the district. Larry’s secondary career was in the U.S. Army Reserves 487th Engineers/Firefighters in Washington, KS. From 1969 until 1992, Larry served his country for 23 years as company clerk and fire inspector reaching the rank of S/SGT. Larry’s passions included sports and his community. He played three sports in high school holding several school records in football, basketball, and track and field when he graduated. He would spend his adult life cheering for his three favorite sports teams the Chiefs, Royals, and KSU Wildcats. His passion for his community would lead him to holding many positions throughout his life and would garner him the Washington Lions’ Club Outstanding Citizenship Award in 2005. His volunteer positions included Linn City and Rural Fire District #4 Fire Chief, Washington County Rural Fire District #1 Treasurer, Sacred Heart Church of Greenleaf Parish Council, Twin Valley Board of Directors, and Linn Booster Club. In 1999, Kansas Governor Mike Hayden appointed Larry to the coordinating Council of Early Childhood Development Services for the state of Kansas. His volunteer work with the Wohlmoor American Legion Post 237 began in 1970 and would total over 50 years with 16 years as Commander. Additionally, he was elected to the Linn City Council from 1987-1999 and then elected mayor from 1999-2005. In his retirement, Larry enjoyed traveling along with attending activities of his grandchildren. However, his favorite activity was the conversations and barbeques with family and friends that were had on his prize possession deck he constructed with the help of his father Loren. Larry is survived by his wife Audrey, Linn; daughter, Tammy Wurtz, Topeka; sons, Tony (Amy) Wurtz, Geneva, NE, Cory (Lindsey) Wurtz, Shawnee, KS, and Jeff Wurtz, Linn; grandchildren, Taylor, Austin, Carson, and Cameron Wurtz, sister, Patricia (Al) Wickam, Lenexa, KS; and brother, Robert (Carla) Wurtz, Lawrence, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, and mother and father-in-law, Lavern and Ruby Cairns. A memorial fund has been established to the Wohlmoor American Legion Post #237 in Linn. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. Video of funeral for Larry Wurtz To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lawrence "Larry" J. Wurtz, please visit our flower store.