Lawrence J. ‘Larry’ Penka

Lawrence J. “Larry” Penka, 77, died January 8, 2025, at the Lane County Hospital in Dighton.

He was born October 29, 1947, in Great Bend, the son of Victor E. and Elinor L. (Birzer) Penka.

Larry grew up in Healy, graduating from the local high school in 1965 and shortly after enlisted in the National Guard.

On January 28, 1972, he married Brenda Powers. She preceded him in death.

On April 28, 1995, Larry married Jody D’onofrio. She also preceded him in death.

Larry worked on the family farm until 1978, before moving to Anaheim, Calif., where he made a career as a roofer and spent nights working at Knott’s Berry Farms.

He spent some time working on a farm near Sublette and then lived in Garden City helping to care for his grandchildren until ultimately moving back to Healy in 2008.

Larry enjoyed farming and caring for his garden. He could grow just about anything. He was always creating or making something and appreciated time spent with friends or family.

He is survived by his son, Michael Penka, and wife, Jamie, Healy; eight grandchildren, Mackenzie Monroe and husband, Jacob, Kansas City, Nathan Penka and wife, Caylin, Colby, Trenton Cantrell and wife, Brittany, Healy, Bryan Penka and wife, Haley, Blackwell, Okla., Skyler Cantrell, Omaha, Nebr., Quiton LaPointe, Manhattan, Mitchell Penka and wife, Chancie, Healy, and Kaleb LaPointe, Garden City; and nine great-grandchildren, Khyler, Brenlei, Elena, Hagan, Lakelynn, Kathleen, Ellie, Luna, and Koda.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene; daughter, Monett LaPointe; son, Jason Penka; and greatgranddaughter, Kynzlee.

A Vigil service was held Jan. 10 and the Funeral Mass took place on Jan. 11 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton.

The family suggests memorials to the Larry Penka Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, Box 891, Dighton, Ks., 67839.