Lawrence R. Koelzer, 69, Savannah, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
He was born July 29, 1955 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Raymond and Letha (Horne) Koelzer. He grew up in Omaha and after graduating from high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1973. He first served on the USS Sperry and then on the USS Midway.
After the service, he went to work as a carman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, then the Santa Fe Railway in San Diego, California, before settling in Kansas to work at the Kyle Railroad.
It was at Kyle that he met the love of his life, Dianne Kay White. They wed on January 30, 1988.
Lawrence loved riding his dirt bikes and motorcycles, as well as working on his shop projects, especially his 1951 Chevy five-window truck.
He also loved baseball, particularly the College World Series. He had fond memories of Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha and going to the series games there as a boy.
An extremely generous man, Lawrence was a loving husband, father and grandfather, known for his “Dad Talks” where he dispensed straightforward advice. He leaves many memories for his family to cherish.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Dianne; children, Kirk Koelzer (Crystal), Wesley Koelzer (Estella Smith), Stephen Koelzer (Brandi), and Lindsay Gomez (Rene); 10 grandchildren; siblings, Ray Koelzer, Cathie Koelzer, Mike Koelzer, Mitzi Mason, Joan Bitting, Lisa Christy, Richard Koelzer, and Kevin Koelzer; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.
