Larry J. Heinz

Larry John Heinz passed away after a brief illness on December 29th, 2025 in McPherson, Kansas. He was 81 years old.

Larry was born on August 24th, 1944, in Dodge City, Kansas to Milton and Sybil Heinz. He was one of three children. He was raised in Kinsley, Kansas and spent his childhood farming with his Grandfather, Dad and Uncle. He graduated from Saint Mary of the Plains college in Dodge City in 1966 and immediately following, joined the Air National Guard during the Vietnam war era. Larry and Ann (Twohig) had a whirlwind courtship and were married on November 5th, 1966. This marriage would stand the test of time for 59 years and had two children, Kathy and Dan.

Once his obligations to the Air National Guard were met, he tried his hand at a number of careers which included insurance adjusting, bookkeeping, trucking, and a motel owner and operator just to name a few. However, none of those things stuck as he had always wanted to farm. That dream came true for him in 1975 when he moved the family to Syracuse, Kansas and began farming. He embodied everything you imagine when you think of a farmer. He had a love for the land and made sure to leave it better than he found it. He loved the equipment and tilling the soil. He made sure his word was his bond and honesty and keeping his commitments was paramount. He was a good neighbor and was always thrilled when he had something they needed to borrow or if they needed an extra set of hands to get something done.

Larry was a consummate conversationalist. He loved to visit with family and friends and made lifelong friends wherever he went. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease his family and friends who also loved to reciprocate. He had a deep faith in God and never missed a holy day or weekend mass.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Milton and Sybil. He is survived by his wife Ann Heinz, sisters Julie Gleason and Mary Herrmann, daughter Kathy and her husband Rick Stein, son Dan and his wife Jenny (Gutsch) Heinz, grandchildren Jadan Wolfsbauer and her husband Cole, Colby Heinz, Mandi Heinz, Emma Stein, and Zachary Stein, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 1, 2026, with Rosary to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM at Saint Nicholas Cemetery, Kinsley.

Memorial donations can be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Ronald McDonald House (Wichita) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.