John P. Larzalere, Minneapolis
Obituary | John P. Larzalere of Minneapolis, Kansas | Wilson Family Funeral Home
September 10, 1938 - June 15, 2021
John Paul (Jack) Larzalere, 82, passed away June 15, 2021 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jack was born on September 10, 1938. He was adopted from Catholic Charities in Minneapolis, Kansas, by his parents Charles and Lucille Larzalere. Jack was raised Catholic, where he served as an altar boy for many years.
He was an avid sports fan and a multi-sport athlete growing up. After graduating from Minneapolis High School, Jack attended Fort Hays State University, then went on to graduate from The University of Kansas. Jack was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and majored in business.
After graduation Jack met Deanna Martin of Glasco, Kansas on a blind date. They were married in 1961. He joined the Army shortly after, and the two lived in North Carolina where Jack was stationed first at Ft. Bragg, then overseas in Korea.
Upon returning from Korea, Jack and Dee moved to Denver Colorado, where they had their son Brent. They later relocated back to the Kansas City area and had their second child, Angela. They spent most of their married life in Kansas, with a handful of years in Oklahoma City. Jack was a commercial banker for the majority of his career.
Jack and Dee were married 59 years when Deanna passed away in June 2020, almost a year to the day of Jack’s passing.
Jack passed on a love of all things sports as well as his competitive spirit to his children. He continued playing sports throughout his adult life, engaging in tennis and golf as well as other activities. He loved coaching his kids as well as attending as many KU, Chiefs and Royals games as he could take in.
He had a very no-nonsense approach to life. Many remember him for his infectious smile and belly laugh. He was loyal, honest, and as tough as they come. He loved his family fiercely and supported them in everything they did. His two granddaughters were the light of his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife Deanna Larzalere, his parents Charles and Lucille Larzalere, his sister and brother-in-law Bob and Patricia Jones, brothers Frankie and Richard Larzalere, his in-laws George and Irene Martin, sister-in-law Mary Martin, brothers-in-law Dick, Denny, Don, and Darrel Martin.
He is survived by his two children Brent Larzalere (spouse Amy) and Angela Nielsen (spouse Oliver) as well as his two granddaughters Hayden Nielsen and Reilli Nielsen, and his sisters-in-law Dorothy, Louise, and Betty Martin, and Judy Larzalere, along with many nieces and nephews.
Jack will be missed dearly, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is with the Lord, and with his bride.
Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at the Glasco Cemetery.
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