Lawrence J. Stretz

Larry Stretz, born July 24, 1927, entered eternal rest on June 1, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loving daughter Stephanie, son Scott, and two granddaughters, Brandi and Shannon.

Larry was born in Boonville, MO to Lawrence A Stretz and Olita Stretz. He came from a large family that included two brothers, Kenny and Robert Stretz, and four sisters, Bernice Hays, Hazel Stretz, Gene Miller and JoAnn Grathwohl. He had a loving family and is survived by his daughter Stephanie (Jim) Gunn with 2 daughters, Shannon and Brandi (Jon) Pope; son Scott (Janet) Stretz with two sons, Brad (Courtney) Stretz and Jeremy (Lauren) Stretz. Larry also had 4 great grandchildren, Addyson & Landon Pope, and Malcolm & Zoey Stretz. Larry is also survived by a wealth of nieces and nephews who all had the great pleasure of knowing him as Uncle Junie.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on June 6, 2022, followed by mass at 11:00 am at St. Mark's Catholic Church Independence, MO. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Donation envelopes will be available at the service. If you are unable to attend the service and you would like to join. Please click the youtube link, https://youtube.com/channel/UCSHZw-oaFmWV0y6IduoRh_Q , and the service will air in real time CST.

Larry was born in Booneville, MO and served in the US Navy during the latter stages of WW2. When discharged he returned to Boonville where he married Barbara Bousman in 1949. Larry was a bricklayer with his father and brothers during his younger years. Larry and Barbara moved to Kansas city where he worked for the Federal Housing Administration. He then moved to Independence, MO where he worked for the Urban Housing Development as the Director until his retirement in the 80's. On July 28, 1979, he was remarried to Dixie Marguerite. Dixie brought a great amount of joy to Larry’s life as he had found what few are fortunate enough to find, his soulmate. They traveled the United States together going on skiing, golfing, and a variety of other adventures such as white-water rafting. Larry and Dixie enjoyed 34 years of marriage together until her untimely death on January 27, 2013.

Larry was a selfless man with an unshakeable faith. He was a member of St. Marks Catholic Church of Independence and gave his time volunteering and doing service for a variety of causes. Anyone who knew Larry knew he was a child at heart who loved adventures and was capable of relating to any age group. His sense of humor and laugh would permeate a room. He gave endlessly to his family and anyone he crossed paths with. Larry loved golfing and continued golfing until his shoulder wouldn't allow it anymore. He enjoyed skiing, traveling, riding motorcycles, and had a wealth of friends. His love, hugs, and smile will be remembered for a lifetime.

We love you Dad (Papa). We are not shedding tears of sadness but tears of joy for being a part of your life. Dixie has waited patiently for you, and we are at peace knowing you are together again. Until we meet again.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on June 6, 2022, followed by mass at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Catholic Church Independence, MO. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Donation envelopes will be available at the service. If you are unable to attend the service and you would like to join. Please click the youtube link, https://youtube.com/channel/UCSHZw-oaFmWV0y6IduoRh_Q , and the service will air in real time CST.