Larry Douglas Nadler

Larry Douglas Nadler, 88, of Higginsville, Mo., passed away April 20, 2025, at Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo., surrounded by family and listening to the music of the gospel quartet that he was a proud member of for over 40 years, the Gospel Lovin’ Four.

Larry was born July 16, 1936, in Wellington, Mo., to Edith and Reuben Nadler. He grew up in Wellington and was a 1954 graduate of Wellington-Napoleon High School. In 1956, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Stoeltzing. They had five children, were “Nana and Papa” to their 14 grandchildren, and enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage until Nancy’s passing in 2009.

Larry was passionate about life – and particularly enjoyed singing and baking. From the 1970s through the early 2010s, the Gospel Lovin’ Four visited churches and events near and far, gaining a following for their uplifting music (and witty banter). Larry was a prolific baker and, starting around Thanksgiving each year, baked enough cookies to feed small armies – he loved distributing large boxes of cookies to his friends and family. He might also be one of the few people to ever go through TSA with a suitcase packed full of pies! Larry also worked for many years as a butcher for the family business, Nadler’s Meats, and recently enjoyed working with the family as a dessert baker for the Nadler’s Catering business.

Larry was blessed with many lasting friendships, including a group of married couples who celebrated an annual Christmas dinner together for 68 years. Larry found love again and married life-long friend Dot Renno of Higginsville in 2013. The couple enjoyed six years together before Dot’s passing in 2017. 

Larry was an active member of the St. Paul Church in Napoleon as well as Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville, and he loved singing at both churches. He was also a member of the Tribe of Mic-o-Say, Masonic Lodge #149, and the Shriners Hospital. He loved traveling, watching his children and grandchildren compete or perform in anything, watching science programs on TV, and spending time with family and friends. Ultimately, he loved life.

Larry will be remembered for his wild sayings, booming voice, outgoing and joyful personality, sense of humor, and most of all, his warmth and love.

Above all, Larry was most proud of his family. He is survived by his five children, Jim Nadler (Pam), Don Nadler (Vicki), Tom Nadler (Jo Harrison), Katherine Christensen (Tom), and Kristina Sorrelli (Joe). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, Ted Nadler (Carolyn) and children Jack and Lucy; Ben Nadler (Emily) and children Danny,

Evie, Benjy, and Tommy; Emilie Nadler; Dustin Nadler (Jenny); Danielle Nadler and daughter Madi Haislip; Derek Nadler (Katelyn Walk); Sarah Madsen (Brady) and children Ada, Emma, and Charlie; Kate Babbs (Breck) and sons Noah and Sawyer; Mitchell Christensen (Jordyn) and children Max and Lola; Wilson Christensen (Amy) and children Maggie, Elle, and Ford; Nick Christensen (Samantha) and sons Auggie and George; Sam Christensen (Madie); Andrew Sorrelli; and Martin Sorrelli; as well as sister-in-law, Sally Nadler, and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Reuben, and brother, Glen Nadler, as well as wives, Nancy Stoeltzing Nadler and Dorothea “Dot” Renno-Nadler.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Paul Church, 205 Hill St., Napoleon, MO 64074. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the church. Interment will be held at St. Paul Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wellington-Napoleon Kids First Foundation. Memories of Larry and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524