Lawrence Lincoln “Larry” Kiesz

Lawrence Lincoln “Larry” Kiesz, 85, was born February 12, 1930 to Gottlieb and Katherine (Amend) Kiesz at the family farm outside Ritzville.

He joined his two brothers, James Huffman and Wilmer Kiesz. Larry went to school in Ritzville and graduated there in 1948.

Larry married Della Laib on August 12, 1951, and they were married for 63 11/12th years. Shortly after their marriage, Larry was drafted into the Army and served in Korea with the 5th Regimental Combat Team.

Upon his return, Larry and Della lived in Ritzville where Larry was the Auto Freight Agent for the community. They also started their family and had 2 children, Angela and Randy.

After Gottlieb and Katherine retired, Larry, Della and their family moved to the family farm and started farming. They resided there, until moving into Ritzville in June 2014.

Except for about 10 years, Larry lived at the family farm his entire life. Besides farming, Larry also had an oil furnace service business for many years.

Larry was a lifelong active member of the Philadelphia Congregational UCC where he was baptized, confirmed and married, as were both of his children. Larry enjoyed singing in the choir, and was in the Men’s Group.

He also served as a Trustee, Deacon, Moderator and was involved in the church work days. He was a life member of the German Russian Historical Society and also the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, serving a term as president of the local group. He was a board member of the Odessa Union Warehouse, and also served as a grand marshal of the Odessa Deutschesfest Parade. He was a member of the Spokane Roadrunners Camper Club and enjoyed playing cards (especially Pinochle), fishing, and attending his grandkids and great-grandkids’ sports, scouting, and school activities. Like his father before him, Larry loved his popcorn and ice cream.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers. He is survived by his wife Della, daughter Angie (Gregg) Fode, and son Randy (Michele) Kiesz. He is also survived by his grandchildren Melanie Fode and Jeremiah Dixon, Megan and Vernon Shepard, Mitch and Ashleigh Fode, Brady and Kelley Kiesz, Brian and Katie Kiesz, Cory Kiesz, and Cameron Kiesz. He has 10 great-grandchildren, Colton, Emma and Aislynn Dixon, Merrick Shepard, Jordyn, Beau, and Avaleigh Fode, Audreyann and Jethro Kiesz, and Hannah Kiesz.

Visitation was Monday, July 20, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville.

Funeral Service was Tuesday, July 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Ritzville Foursquare Church (Formerly Philadelphia Church) and followed by interment at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery