Larry Dean Kreisel

Larry Dean Kreisel, 75, of Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Bothwell Regional Health Center surrounded by family. He was born May 23, 1949, in Warsaw, MO, one of twelve children of August F. "John" and Mary Edna (Davis) Kreisel.

Larry entered the Navy after high school and served on the USS Lexington until 1969. He returned home and found work in Sedalia for several factories, including Permaneer, Duke and Kelsey-Hayes (now Maxion Wheels). On July 31, 1971, he married Cathy Jo Slocum of Sedalia. They were blessed with two boys, Scott (1976) and Matthew (1982).

Larry continued working at Kelsey-Hayes for 25 plus years until his retirement. However, sitting still was not something Larry was very fond of, and he soon found various part-time jobs to keep him busy. He worked with his brothers in Warsaw building houses and also enjoyed running cars for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. When he wasn't working he loved attending dirt track races and car shows all over Missouri, and was often seen polishing and driving his hot rods. He attended and served as Trustee and Usher at East Sedalia Baptist Church. Praying and talking to God brought him comfort. Larry loved watching sports, especially Lincoln High School teams, and was typically found cheering for them at both home and away games. When nothing else was going on, he was found standing around in someone's garage chatting about whatever was on their minds or tinkering with their automobiles. Cathy termed the phrase "car cronies" for his crew of friends that he loved to hang around and chat with.

He was a fantastic father and an even better grandpa, or Papa. Before grandchildren, he helped coach little league baseball, shuttling both boys to countless baseball, basketball and band events. Once they became grandparents, he and Cathy spent many hours driving up and down highway 50 as they helped babysit grandchildren in the Kansas City area through the years, and continued to be a shuttle service for them as well.

In addition to his wife, Cathy, Larry is survived by three sons, Scott Kreisel (Sara) of Overland Park, KS, Matt Kreisel (Erin) of Lee's Summit, MO, and Patrick Kreisel of Warsaw, MO; a daughter, Leslie Mace of Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Owen, Jackson, Kylan, Caden, Tyler, and Sierra; sister-in-law Shelley Slocum of Sedalia; brother-in-law Jack Slocum (Julie) of Sedalia; three brothers, Wilford "Punk" Kreisel of Lee's Summit, John Darrel "Buck" Kreisel of Warsaw, and Mike Kreisel (Pat) of Lincoln; one sister, Carol Bishop of Branson; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that he considered family.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by, four brothers, Donald "Chris" Kreisel, Raymond "Hank" Kreisel, Marvin "Speed" Kreisel, and Jim "Hobo" Kreisel; and three sisters Betty Balke, Iva Mae Scott and Patsy Casey.

The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, with Pastor Kevin Anstine officiating. Please feel free to drive your classic car and wear your favorite car show, sports, or racing shirt.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Sedalia, with full military honors conducted by the United States Navy and Sedalia VFW Post #2591.

Pallbearers will be Gene Woolery, Ronnie Berry, Travis Berry, Robbie Countryman, Ronnie Boeschen, and Mike Hawkins.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Lincoln High School Athletics Association, Meals on Wheels in Sedalia, or to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.