Larry Vennum

Larry F. Vennum of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Larry was born April 5, 1940, in York, Nebraska, to Marjorie and Charles Vennum. His parents divorced when Larry was young and as their only child, he was proudly raised by his mother, Marjorie. She worked several jobs to make sure Larry had every opportunity she could give him, something that remained an important part of his story throughout his life. Larry and his mother moved several times during his childhood, living in San Pedro, CA and New York City before returning to Nebraska. He graduated from York High School in 1960 and went on to earn his degree from Kearney College in Kearney, Nebraska. Larry had a long career in agricultural chemical sales before retiring. Never afraid of hard work, he took on a variety of unique jobs throughout his life. In his younger years, Larry held a pilot’s license and flew irrigation planes. In 1979, Larry married Sondra “Sunny” Vennum. Sunny had three children, and Larry enthusiastically embraced becoming their stepfather. He never thought of Dave, Ron and Kristin as stepchildren; they were simply his kids. Over the years, Larry welcomed seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and few things in his life gave him more joy. He said more times than anyone could count that all he had ever wanted was a big family. He got his wish, and he could not have been happier or prouder of the family that surrounded him. His grandchildren will insist that he was the best Papa there ever was, and they have plenty of memories to back that up. When his granddaughters were little, he was a willing participant in their many dress-up games. He fished with his grandsons and shared his love and knowledge of guns with one of them. As they got older, Papa was always an ear when they needed one. He listened without judgment and rarely offered advice unless it was asked for. That didn't necessarily mean everyone they brought home earned his approval. If Larry wasn't particularly fond of a boyfriend or girlfriend, his quick wit usually found a way to let the family know exactly how he felt—and make everyone laugh while doing it. That sense of humor was one of Larry’s best qualities throughout his life. He loved practical jokes, dumb dad jokes and catching people off guard with something funny when they least expected it. Larry was easy to make laugh, too, and his big belly laugh was frequent, unmistakable and one of the very best sounds to those who loved him. He laughed often, and he made the people around him laugh just as often. Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing and traveling. He and Sunny traveled the world together, including trips to Ireland and Costa Rica with their granddaughter Morgan, but some of their fondest memories came from hiking and camping together in all kinds of places and terrain, especially the Grand Canyon.

Larry was also a lifelong animal lover, and his dogs held an especially large place in his heart. He loved having them by his side, especially on their many walks together, and they brought him tremendous joy and companionship throughout his life; losing them was always heartbreaking for him. Larry was fortunate to have numerous lifelong friendships that lasted through decades, moves, careers and different chapters of life. His friends were an important part of his world, and many became like family over the years. He treasured the time, laughter and memories they shared. Above everything else, Larry loved his family. The only child raised by a hardworking mother ultimately found himself surrounded by a wife, three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. It was a life that gave him much to be proud of and, most importantly, many people to love—and to love him. 

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Vennum; his father, Charles Vennum; his aunt and uncle, Arlene and Russ Phillips and several lifelong friends who were an important part of his life. 

He is survived by his wife, Sondra “Sunny” Vennum; children, Dave Gilbert and wife Vicky of Murrieta, California, Ron Gilbert of Wichita, and Kristin Kienzle and husband Jeremy of Wichita; grandchildren Bert Merlo, Becky Black, Morgan Barrett, Allison Harris, Darbin Tate, Mason Grimmett and Tanner Kienzle; and five great-grandchildren. 

A service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67204. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of three of Larry’s grandchildren who live with cystic fibrosis.