Larry W. Gutekunst

Larry W. Gutekunst passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2024 surrounded by his family. Larry was born in Moberly, Missouri to Wesley Gutekunst and Lucille Gutekunst (Spurling) on September 26th, 1937.

 He attended Moberly Junior College for two years where he was the Class President. Larry then transferred to the University of Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering.

 Upon graduation, Larry moved to Independence, Missouri where he began his career with Allis Chalmers, Combine Division. This is where he met his wife Sandy McHardy. Larry had a 39 year career with Allis Chalmers which eventually became AGCO. During his career, Larry started as a Graduate Trainee eventually elevating to the position of Vice President of Global Engineering. He retired in 1998.

 Larry was very active in his Methodist church. His devotion began in Moberly, continued at MU through college ministries , later included decades of active membership at Blue Ridge United Methodist Church and ultimately settled in at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. Many of his accomplishments included State Treasurer of the FFA, Stamper Scholarship Award recipient, member of Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Epsilon, ASAE Chairman of many committees, member of the Advisory Council of the Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Missouri Columbia, founder of Parkinson’s support group, multiple leadership roles within the church and enjoyed being coach of his son Kirk’s basketball team and was proud of the team winning the city championship.

 Larry was an incredible husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and perhaps most importantly, the best Papa. Larry had the most amazing and impactful qualities including generosity of spirit, patience, compassion, forgiveness, grace, unassuming leadership, eternal optimism and most assuredly, unconditional love for all. 

 He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandy, brother ,Gerald, daughter, Carrie (Gordon) Wood, son, Kirk (Jen) Gutekunst, grandsons, Graham and Kenton Wood and Ben Gutekunst, granddaughter, Sophie Belle Gutekunst, nephew, Doug (Cheri) Gutekunst and niece, Gayle (Ronnie) Lamendola.

A private family Memorial service was held on Friday, August 16, 2024.

In honor of Larry a casual, come and go reception will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 2:00-4:00pm celebrating this life, so well lived. Reception will be held at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Larry’s memory to The Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland at 13451 Briar St. Suite 202 Leawood, KS 66209.