Larry B. Lillge

Larry B. Lillge, age 87, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed peacefully into eternal glory on April 2, 2025. A memorial service will be held at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1701 N.E. 96th Street, Kansas City, MO 64155. Remains will be interred at Terrace Park Cemetery, Kansas City North. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the King of Kings Lutheran Church memorial fund.

Larry was born on October 25, 1937, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1955 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1960 from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee. During his college years, he joined Pi Rho Zeta Fraternity and later served as chapter president. In 1959 Larry married Rita Waldinger. They were married for 39 years until her passing. They had one child together, Terry Lynn.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard and Army Reserves from 1956 to 1964 and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

Larry began his professional career in 1960 with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He later joined Fort Howard Paper Co. as a sales representative, and in 1963, he embarked on a 28-year career with Thomas J. Lipton Inc., serving in multiple states and holding various leadership roles. He retired in 1991 as an area sales manager in the Kansas City region after a successful and faithful career.

Following retirement, Larry began a second career in the travel industry. He worked with Terry’s Travel Service/Compass Cruises in Gladstone, Missouri, and eventually earned the designation of Certified Cruise Counselor with Cruise Lines International Association. In 2003, he became an independent agent with All About Travel, Inc./Platinum Vacations, and later joined Sherry Loftus/Cruise Planners as a home-based agent. For over 25 years, Larry helped hundreds of clients experience the joy of cruising.

One of Larry’s greatest joys was sharing his passion for travel with his beloved wife, Marcia Pence-Lillge. Larry and Marcia were the best of friends and travel companions, sharing more than 30 cruises together during their 12-year marriage. Though her passing was tragic, Larry remained devoted to the family they built together. He lovingly embraced and was loved by Marcia's three sons- Mike, Pete and Nick and their families- Danica, Jenny, Ethan, Roman, Marshall, Emma, Benjamin, Jonathan and Stephen. Larry adored his grandchildren and loved them dearly.

Larry was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church and a pillar of the King of Kings Lutheran Church community for 53 years. He served in multiple leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Board of Directors. He was Head Usher for over 23 years and participated in many church committees, including long-range planning and building projects.

Larry also gave generously of his time as a volunteer. He was a longtime tour guide at the Airline History Museum of Kansas City (Save-A-Connie) and later served at the TWA Museum with Marcia. He joined the KCI Airport Ambassador program in 2004 and accumulated over 2,000 hours helping travelers. He also volunteered for Harvesters–Community Food Bank, assisting with food drives and community outreach.

Beyond his work and service, Larry had a deep love for cruising, completing over 81 cruises in his lifetime. He was a passionate fan of automobile racing, especially NASCAR, and was fascinated by both commercial and military aircraft.

Larry is survived by Marcia’s sons, Mike (Danica), Pete (Jenny) and Nick; six grandchildren-Roman, Marshall, Emma, Ben, Jonny and Stevie; Marcia’s sister Susan (Franklyn); his daughter, Terry (Daniel); beloved nieces, nephews and family- Ethan, Jody (Bill), Julie, Faith, Lana, Jack, Jill, Brenda, and Jami and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia; his first wife, Rita; his parents, Viola and Harry and his sister, Gloria.

Larry’s kindness, integrity, and joy for life made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.