Obituary for Larry A. Rizner
Mr. Larry Allen Rizner, age 81, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away peacefully Monday, December 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Bluffs surrounded by his sons.
Larry was born on December 23, 1939 in Freeport, Il., the son of Milfred C. and Alice M. (Daterman) Rizner. He was married on June 17, 1965 to Judy Ann Osterberger, who preceded him in death on March 31, 2013.
Larry grew up in Freeport, Il., where he was a 1957 graduate of Freeport High School.
He served our country for three years as a 2nd Class Aviation Electrician Mate in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged in January 1963. Larry’s service didn’t stop there. He served for 40 years with the Cole Country Fire Protection District, where he rose to the rank of Captain and was the founder of the CCFPD Honor Guard.
In 1995, Larry retired as a salesman from the Smeal Fire Apparatus where he would do demonstrations and teach fireman how to use the gear. During his civilian career, he also worked at Menu Maker Foods, Tom’s Snacks, and Tower’s Fire Apparatus. During his time selling fire supplies, he made many great relationships with fire departments around the state and participated at the University of Missouri Fire School.
Larry was a faithful member of Central United Church of Christ and volunteered with many different projects through that involvement. He was always willing to help with dinners served at the church and to work at the upkeep of Camp Aurora, near Bennett Springs.
He loved spending time with his wife and they both had a passion for traveling and camping. They especially enjoyed the tranquility of the outdoors while tent camping and later in a camping trailer. Their favorite destinations were Glacier National Park and Big Bend National Park. They also made various regional trips, and went on a few trips with the Good Sam’s Camping Club.
Larry’s main passion in life always revolved around spending time with his family. He cherished the time he was able to spend watching his sons grow up. He was a fixture at his boys’ JCSC swim meets, Jay’s Wrestling matches, football games, and the JCHS Student Council events. He enjoyed making trips up to Iowa and Wyoming where his sons went to school. He later visited Tim at his many posts in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. In his later years, his attention was shifted to the many events and activities with his grandchildren including football, baseball, soccer, basketball, as well as the many other “projects” that his grandchildren had found for him.
Survivors include: two sons, Tim Rizner (wife, Amy) of Dardenne Prairie, Mo. and Chad Rizner (wife, Melissa) of Jefferson City, Mo; one sister, Jan Gale of Freeport, Il; four grandchildren, Sam and Ben Rizner of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., Blake and Grant Rizner of Jefferson City, Mo; and two nephews, Randy Gale and Butch Gale of Freeport, Il.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 47 years, Judy.
A private memorial service will be conducted on Monday, January 4, 2021 in the Freeman Chapel with Chaplain Jim Mueller officiating. Military honors and honors from the Cole County Fire Department will follow his service.
A webcast of Larry’s service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday for extended family and friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Cole County Fire Protection District.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
Larry was born on December 23, 1939 in Freeport, Il., the son of Milfred C. and Alice M. (Daterman) Rizner. He was married on June 17, 1965 to Judy Ann Osterberger, who preceded him in death on March 31, 2013.
Larry grew up in Freeport, Il., where he was a 1957 graduate of Freeport High School.
He served our country for three years as a 2nd Class Aviation Electrician Mate in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged in January 1963. Larry’s service didn’t stop there. He served for 40 years with the Cole Country Fire Protection District, where he rose to the rank of Captain and was the founder of the CCFPD Honor Guard.
In 1995, Larry retired as a salesman from the Smeal Fire Apparatus where he would do demonstrations and teach fireman how to use the gear. During his civilian career, he also worked at Menu Maker Foods, Tom’s Snacks, and Tower’s Fire Apparatus. During his time selling fire supplies, he made many great relationships with fire departments around the state and participated at the University of Missouri Fire School.
Larry was a faithful member of Central United Church of Christ and volunteered with many different projects through that involvement. He was always willing to help with dinners served at the church and to work at the upkeep of Camp Aurora, near Bennett Springs.
He loved spending time with his wife and they both had a passion for traveling and camping. They especially enjoyed the tranquility of the outdoors while tent camping and later in a camping trailer. Their favorite destinations were Glacier National Park and Big Bend National Park. They also made various regional trips, and went on a few trips with the Good Sam’s Camping Club.
Larry’s main passion in life always revolved around spending time with his family. He cherished the time he was able to spend watching his sons grow up. He was a fixture at his boys’ JCSC swim meets, Jay’s Wrestling matches, football games, and the JCHS Student Council events. He enjoyed making trips up to Iowa and Wyoming where his sons went to school. He later visited Tim at his many posts in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. In his later years, his attention was shifted to the many events and activities with his grandchildren including football, baseball, soccer, basketball, as well as the many other “projects” that his grandchildren had found for him.
Survivors include: two sons, Tim Rizner (wife, Amy) of Dardenne Prairie, Mo. and Chad Rizner (wife, Melissa) of Jefferson City, Mo; one sister, Jan Gale of Freeport, Il; four grandchildren, Sam and Ben Rizner of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., Blake and Grant Rizner of Jefferson City, Mo; and two nephews, Randy Gale and Butch Gale of Freeport, Il.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 47 years, Judy.
A private memorial service will be conducted on Monday, January 4, 2021 in the Freeman Chapel with Chaplain Jim Mueller officiating. Military honors and honors from the Cole County Fire Department will follow his service.
A webcast of Larry’s service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday for extended family and friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Cole County Fire Protection District.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.