Published on May 15, 2025 4:57 pm
Last Updated on May 15, 2025 5:08 pm
Lawrence (Larry) R. Buhnerkempe, 86, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 with a visitation before Mass from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in St. Clare Hall at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. A Wake Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, followed by Visitation from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please do something with your family or a random act of kindness in memory of Larry. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Larry was born on December 20, 1938 in Lillyville, Cumberland County, the son of Ed and Agnes (Thoele) Buhnerkempe. He married Lucille Meyer on April 4, 1959 at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Green Creek. Larry was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the St. Francis Men’s Holy Name, and the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus, with which he was a proud lifetime member of the 3rd and 4th degree. He also was a member of the Elks. Larry and his wife, Lucille, began Buhnerkempe Plumbing and Heating in 1963. He was known for his strong work ethic, mischievous sense of humor and outgoing personality – he truly never met a stranger. He generously gave his time, talents and friendship to others. Later in life, he and Lucille enjoyed snow birding in Palmetto, Florida and discovering new places together.
He is survived by their children, Geri Buhnerkempe, Sharon (Kevin) Schumacher, Sheila (Steven) Kuhns, Bruce (Jill) Buhnerkempe, Vicky (Damon) Simmons and Lisa (Marty) Siemer; by his grandchildren, Stephanie (Patrick) Pape, Becky (Jared) Daughtery, Jessica (Kyle) Pruemer, Brad (Fran) Kuhns, Kyle (Kerry) Kuhns, Jon (Morgan) Kuhns, Ben (Shelby) Kuhns, Emily (Bill) Arndt, Zoe (Kyle Deters) Buhnerkempe, Anna (Evan Addis) Buhnerkempe, Andrew Simmons, Nick (Victoria) Simmons, Edward (Iris Malcom) Siemer, Lauren (Seth Hinson) Siemer, Joe (Claire) Siemer and Gus Siemer; by 21 greatgrandchildren; by his in-laws, Ann & Virgil Kingery, Joan Meyer, and Joyce Koeberlein; and many nieces and nephews and friends who he truly enjoyed.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille on November 28, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents; by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John & Theresa Meyer; by his infant son, Lawrence Jr.; grandson, Brian Simmons; by his siblings and spouses, Laverne (Wilma) Buhnerkempe and Art (Pat) Buhnerkempe; and in-laws, Lawrence (Eileen) Meyer, Louis (Annie) Meyer, Gene (Jeanie) Meyer, John Meyer Jr., Theresa Mae (Harold) Meinhart, Fred (Marilyn) Meyer, Catherine (Harold) Thoele, James J. Meyer, and Gerald (Susie) Meyer.