Lawrence (Larry) E. Kinsinger, 90, of Washington, died at 3:30 p.m. Monday, September 13, 2010, at Washington Christian Village.
He was born April 18, 1920 to Emile and Hattie (Ellsaesser) Kinsinger in East Lynne, Missouri. The family moved to Washington, Illinois in 1923 where Larry attended the Washington School. He married Kay Herm of Washington. She died June 2, 1968. Larry then married Jaqueline (Roehm) Pfeffinger on July 19, 1969. She survives and resides in Washington. Larry had three older sisters, Esther Kinsinger Slonneger, Grace Kinsinger Gittinger and Edith Kinsinger, all deceased.
Surviving are Larry’s five sons: Daniel (Cheryl) Kinsinger, Malcolm (Debbie) Kinsinger, Michael (Betsy) Kinsinger, Dr. Paul (Amy) Kinsinger and Dr. Lee (Laurie) Kinsinger; Larry’s five step-children: Cindy (Charles) Rush, Susan (Snap) Hornung, Clay (Rhonda) Pfeffinger, Melinda (Steve) Hartseil, Cheryl (John) Marchini; 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. One grandchild is deceased.
Larry attended the University of Illinois from 1938 to1939 in the College of Engineering. He entered a training program at Caterpillar Tractor on January 1, 1940 and joined the U.S. Army on January 1, 1943. He served in Europe with the 850th Engineer Battalion until November, 1945. Upon his return, Larry worked for Caterpillar and was assigned to the Mapleton plant in 1964. He retired as Division Manager in March of 1985 with 45 years of service.
Larry was a member of Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church in Washington and taught Sunday school for many years. He leaves a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a former president of American Foundrymen’s Society. He served as assistant scoutmaster of troop 163 for several years. He was a member of Toastmaster’s International. He was an avid genealogist and frequently volunteered at the Mennonite Heritage Library. He was a shrewd competitor at Bridge. Other hobbies included woodcarving, stamp collecting, and Lionel model trains.
A 25 year member of Peoria River City Racquet Club, he especially enjoyed playing tennis with the senior members. He participated in the Senior Tennis Olympics in singles and doubles on the local, state and national level.
Visitation will be at Mason-White Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church with a visitation before the service at 10:00 a.m.. Pastor Ken Sistrunk will officiate. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Memorials may be made to his church.
Online condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com