Larry A. Kracht

Larry A. Kracht, 85, of Marysville, KS, passed away on October 26, 2025, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln, NE.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., November 15, at the American Legion in Marysville.

Larry was born on March 1, 1940, in Herkimer, Kansas. He attended grade school in Herkimer and graduated from Marysville High School. During his school years, Larry worked for the Herkimer Blacksmith Shop, Safeway Grocery Store, Grandview Truck Stop, and Schroller Body Shop.

On June 17, 1961, Larry married the love of his life, Judy Stiverson, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville. The couple began their married life in Wichita, where Larry worked at Boeing. In May 1965, they moved to Marysville, where Larry worked for the Farmer’s Co-op driving a gas truck for 13 years before joining Landoll Corporation, where he proudly worked for 30 years.

After retiring, Larry and Judy moved to Manhattan, Kansas. Even in retirement, Larry kept busy—working two years with Kansas State Parks and later serving as a Custodial Contractor with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake for 17 years. He also helped set up the Tractor Supply store in Manhattan and worked there part-time during the winter months for 10 years.

Larry was well known for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and gift for turning any moment into laughter. He rarely took life too seriously and never met a stranger—he could strike up a conversation with anyone and visit for hours. His kind heart and generous spirit led him to help others whenever he could.

Larry and Judy spent many weekends with friends playing cards, participating in various couples’ card clubs, and forming lifelong friendships through those gatherings.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry had a deep love for hunting and fishing. Many of his hunting trips turned into adventures “too funny to be true,” and every fishing outing with his grandchildren created stories that would be told for years to come.

Larry and Judy cherished their summer trips to Wyoming, visiting friends and exploring the mountains, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and the Tetons—places that always held a special place in Larry’s heart. Over the years, they built lasting friendships there as well.

Above all, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—often leading them into a bit of good-natured mischief and creating countless cherished memories together.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin (Bud) and Emma Kracht, and his in-laws, Howard (Archie) and Mildred Stiverson.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy; son Scott (Lynn) Kracht, Marysville; daughters Denise (Mike) Kruse, Frankfort, and Becky (Darcy) Claycamp, Blue Rapids; grandchildren Landon Merrill, Lawrence; Bryan Kracht, Marysville; Alyssa (Andy) Feldkamp, Marysville; Leanne (Myles) Standish, Delta, Colorado; Jessica (Cole) Fichter, Littleton, Colorado; Madison (Tyler) Nemec, Marysville; Brooke (Trevor) Moser, Blue Rapids; McKenzie (Wade) Maddox, Marysville; Paige (Marc) Scott, Blue Rapids; and Taryn Claycamp, Blue Rapids; along with 15 great-grandchildren and another due in March.

He is also survived by step-grandchildren Josh (Kari) Kruse, Westmoreland; Dee (Hank) Schell, Frankfort; Krystal Zimmer, St. George; Kyle (Wendy Padgett) Kruse, Blue Rapids; and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

Larry will be remembered for his laughter, warmth, and love for family and friends. His memory will live on in the countless stories, smiles, and lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.