Larry Genzen

   Larry Virgil, son of Virgil Johann and Florence Elfrieda (Hinz) Genzen, was born November 11, 1937, on the family farm northeast of Manning, Iowa. Larry graduated from Manning High School in 1956 and Iowa State University in 1961 with a BS degree in Ag Education.  While at ISU, he served in the Army reserve and was honorably discharged on November 2, 1962. 

   On August 30, 1959, Larry was united in marriage with Cynthia Ann Peters at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning.  This union was blessed with five children.  Larry taught school in Hubbard for several years before moving to a farm north of Manning and farming with his father. While continuing to farm, he also taught school in Manning and Irwin-Kirkman-Manilla, retiring in 2004.

   Larry was active throughout his life as a member of Bet Sigma Psi Lutheran Fraternity, Zion Lutheran Church, and the American Legion. He was a leader through 4-H and FFA, earning the Iowa Farmer Degree, serving as the county 4-H president, as an officer with the ISU Ag Education Club, and the Manning Jaycees President.

   Throughout his life Larry loved music and was involved in many choirs.  As a teenager he sang with the National FFA chorus and on the Bill Riley talent show on KRNT-TV in Des Moines. Later he was a member of the Iowa State College singers, the Elk's Chorus in Carroll, the Zion Lutheran Church choir, and the Manning Liederkranz men's chorus.

   Larry and Cynthia moved into Manning in 2006.  Larry fought many health battles over the last 11 years.  Following a long hospital stay in Omaha, he returned to the Manning Regional Healthcare Center. Larry died there a few days later on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the age of 78 years, 2 months, and 29 days of age.

   Preceding him in death are his parents; brother-in-law Dale Vollstedt; and grandson Bart James Hinners in 2004.

   Larry is survived by his wife Cynthia Genzen of Manning; 5 children: Janet Smith of Manning, Paula Wulf (Mark Stangl) of Manning, Robert Genzen (Irene) of Manning, Barbara Grove (John Meyer) of Beloit, KS, Judith Jacobsen (Mike) of Manning; 19 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren with more on the way; sister Darlene Vollstedt of Manning; brothers-in-law Danny Peters (Lois) of Manning and David Peters (Deanna) of Plano, TX; and many other relatives and friends.

Chris Smith   Jeremy Wulf  
Zachary Grove 
Matthew Alexander  
Daniel Vonnahme   Joe Hinners

Jennifer Rinehart, Stephanie Smith, Samantha Fertig, Sara Kobus, Ashley Hinners, Rebecca Genzen,Michael Alexander, Taya Vonnahme, Allaetra Jacobsen, Mikasia Jacobsen, Neeka Jacobsen, Kamaya Jacobsen, Bart Hinners, Lacey Bolte, Paige Bella