Fr. Larry Kew

1940 - 2019

BORN

1940

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Burdan Funeral Home and Crematory

12901 Wicker Avenue

Cedar Lake, Indiana

Larry Kew Obituary

Name: Visitation for Fr. Larry Kew
Start: 2019-12-19T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-12-20T00:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Matthias Church

Fr. Larry Kew

MERRILLVILLE, IN - Fr. Larry Kew of Merrillville, born February 7, 1940 passed away December 16, 2019. He was a Gary Diocesan priest for 53 years most recently serving as Pastor of St. Catherine of Sienna parish in Hammond. Fr. Kew is survived by his sisters Mary Ellen (Fred) Becker and Patricia (Lou Martinez) Giannini. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Lambert and Frances Kew, brothers Robert (Gerri) and Lambert (Chris) Kew.

Fr. Larry was raised in Whiting, IN, attended Clark High School, St. Meinrad Seminary and was ordained in May 1966 by Bishop Grutka at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary. His first assignment was St. John Bosco in Hammond. Throughout his 53 years he faithfully ministered to many parishes within the Diocese of Gary.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Matthias Church in Crown Point and 9:00-10:00 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2019. Following visitation on Friday a Memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana in the name of Princess, his cherished companion and faithful pet. www.burdanfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Dec. 18, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Kew

9 Entries

Rick Vulpitta

January 15, 2022

I went to Camp Lawrence as a 8 year old in 1962. Larry was our camp counselor and was in charge of Squad 5. He had 8 little guys to look after and he did a great job. He never yelled but if you messed up he quietly said we owed him push-ups. We doubled or tripled the number we could do at the end of a week. We did not understand it was a punishment so we would do extras or would ask him out of the blue if he wanted to see how many we could do.

One day our squad was selected to wash dishes. Larry gave us a pep talk. He showed us all how to wash and dry the dishes. It was the first time for all of us being part of a team that wasn't sport's related. Everybody got a job. Larry told us we on KP duty and wanted us to do the best job we could in cleaning, drying, stacking and getting the mess hall tables looking good. He pitched in and led by example. We were excited and followed his instructions. He was proud of what we did. The last day of camp they gave out awards. Every one of Squad 5 earned the KP Award Ribbon. Larry was also given a ribbon to. The week at Camp Lawrence was a growing up highlight.

Next time I saw Larry was his picture in the Sunday Visitor. He had become a priest and it was going to a Parrish. Too bad it wasn't St.Bridget's. I wish I had reached to him in later life to tell him the positive influence he had on me. Thanks you Larry.

Deborah Bachmann Norwood

February 23, 2020

I was a student at St John Bosco from 1962 to 1970, and I remember Fr Kew very well. He was definitely our favorite priest...very easy to talk to and get along with. I mostly remember how forward thinking he was with removing the Communion rail and having our classes come up around the altar during that part of the Mass.

I remember he had a twin brother...and we were all surprised by that, and happy to meet him one day.

I've lived in San Diego since 1976, so I've missed seeing familiar faces from home for decades. It saddens me to see that he's passed, but I hope he is with God in Heaven, smiling down on all of us, his former students.

Janet Boyle Kotarski

December 20, 2019

Rest in Peace, Fr. Kew. Thank you for your faithful witness to God's love. So happy to have known you since your days working at Sacred Heart Parish as a seminarian.

James Wojciehowski

December 19, 2019

Many fond memories of Fr. Kew from St. John Bosco CYO. He was always sincere and consistent in his faith. One of the guiding lights in my life.

AnnaMae Nelson

December 19, 2019

Fr.Larry was well thought of in the Indiana
community for many years growing-up. Godspeed.
A donation: St.Jude Childrens

Walt Fles

December 19, 2019

Thank you for the honor of serving mass along with you as an altar boy. Thank you for your leadership as an instructor and as the leader of our youth choir. Rest in peace Father

Shelley Eagle (Bapple)

December 18, 2019

Rest in peace, Fr Kew. Good blessed us all with your guidance, witness, love, and courage. Toy have touched more lives than you have ever known. Rest in peace, sweet man.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

JEFFREY GREENWELL

December 18, 2019

Rest in Peace Father Kew. You were an awesome priest at Saints Peter and Paul in Merrillville where my brothers and I attend grade school. Many years have passed but his Church sermons/homilies are still remembered and cherished. I still remember when he was giving an impassioned homily and he pounded on the pulpit so hard he caused a baby to start crying. Powerful sermons indeed. He was one of a kind and will be missed! We all were lucky to have known him and been in attendance during his services. God Bless You!

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results