Larry Sitzman

1946 - 2025

Larry Sitzman

December 21, 1946 - December 25, 2025

Larry Edward Sitzman, 79, of Lincoln, Nebraska (originally of Culbertson, Nebraska), passed away on December 25, 2025, in Lincoln.

Larry was born on December 21, 1946, in McCook, Nebraska, to Edward and Gail Sitzman. He was the eldest sibling to Kyle Sitzman, Janet Nordhausen and Sandra Bauer. Larry attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before being inspired by President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address to serve his country as a CID Special Agent with the United States Army in Vietnam.

After returning home to Nebraska, Larry worked his father's land as a farmer. He met Sara (Sally) Jane Kennedy, and they were married on January 6, 1973. Together, Larry and Sally shared nearly 53 years of marriage and raised three sons: Edward, Eric, and Jason Sitzman.

Larry dedicated his life to agriculture, working the land as a farmer and serving on numerous agricultural boards. His leadership and commitment to Nebraska agriculture led to his appointment as Director of Agriculture for the State of Nebraska by Governor Ben Nelson. Larry and his family relocated to Lincoln, where he served in that role for both of Governor Nelson's terms.

Following his tenure as Director of Agriculture, Larry continued to serve in leadership positions throughout the Nebraska agriculture industry, including roles in Columbus and Albion, before being appointed Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers.

Larry's life centered on three cherished loves: family, friends, and agriculture. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Morgan, Chase, Wyatt, Carson, Cal, Lawson, and Laine. Passionate about educating and supporting future generations of farmers, Larry actively participated in the LIED Program and after retirement was honored with an educational scholarship established in his name by the NPPA.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Gail Sitzman; his sister, Sandra Bauer; and his granddaughter, Morgan.

He is survived by his wife, Sara (Sally) Sitzman; his son Edward (Maggie) Sitzman and grandsons Chase and Carson; his son Eric (Katie) Sitzman and grandsons Wyatt and Cal; and his son Jason (Cassandra) Sitzman and grandchildren Lawson and Laine; as well as his brother Kyle (Debbie) Sitzman and sister Janet (Harold) Nordhausen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:30 am with Visitation beginning at 9:30 am at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship through the NPPA.

Condolences online at www.bmlfh.com