Larry Edward ElmquistSalemsborg, KS

Larry Edward Elmquist passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026 at his home in Salemsborg surrounded by family.

He was born on January 2, 1948 to Harold “Prince” and Ethelynn (Olson) Elmquist in Lindsborg, Kansas. He attended Lindsborg Rural High School, graduating in 1966. After Ethelynn’s death in 1973, he became a stepson to Carol (Cochrun) Elmquist.

He graduated with his Bachelor’s in Social Work from Bethany College in 1973. After learning the drums in school, he continued playing throughout his life for wide-ranging musical performances such as the Messiah Chorus, a rock band called the Ear Lobes, the Lindsborg Fourth of July Band, and Broadway RFD.

He received his MBA from the University of San Francisco. He started and built programs for persons with disabilities at Tri-Ko in Miami County and Multi-Community Diversified Services (MCDS) in McPherson.

He learned carpentry from his father, Prince and his grandfather, Luther who were master cabinetmakers and he used those skills to renovate houses around Lindsborg working as a private contractor. He also collected and sold antiques, books and art and was often seen at various auctions and estate sales closely perusing an antique he was considering buying.

In 1971, he met Marla Ann Esping just before she left for a year to travel around Africa. For Christmas that year, Larry sent Marla Ann Dag Hammersjold’s book Markings. At first, the book seemed overly heavy for the backpack she was carrying full time, but when Marla began to read it, it proved to be not only an incredibly thoughtful gift, but also an indication of how romantic the gift giver actually was under his sometimes-gruff exterior.

Later during her travels, Larry sent Marla a letter telling her that he was sending her the moon that night. This became a symbol and point of connection any time they were separated during their marriage. This past year, Larry commemorated their 50th wedding anniversary with an opal moon brooch.

Marla and Larry were married July 12, 1975 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas.

In 1998, Marla and Larry welcomed Leila Zakhirova from Turkmenistan to live with them to study at Smoky Valley High School. One year turned into six while Leila continued her education at Bethany College. In that time, Leila became a member of the family and Larry’s marshmallow core became even harder for him to hide.

He was an acute observer of the needs of others, especially members of his community. He responded to those needs by performing acts of service including building wheelchair ramps, hosting students from foreign countries, and providing end-of-life care for family and friends. After being invited by his brother-in-law Ron Lofgren to go on a mission trip to Agua Prieta, Mexico, Larry continued to lead groups there to build homes for unhoused families over the next twenty years.

Larry loved to gather with his community. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church where he helped establish a Men’s Group that met on Saturday mornings for fellowship and spirited examinations of the Bible and other texts. He was a regular at the morning coffee table at Messiah. But one of the best opportunities to gather was at Larry and Marla’s open house on Christmas Day, which they hosted for forty years. Friends and family would start showing up with food and cheer after the early morning Julotta service and would continue well into the night.

He will be remembered for his deep and profound engagement with the world, which manifested through an abiding faithfulness, endless curiosity, and constant political critique. He was quick-witted, always ready with a joke or a barb. Both his cantankerousness and generosity knew no bounds.

He is preceded in death by his parents Prince and Ethelynn and stepbrother James Berryhill. He is survived by his wife of fifty years Marla Ann Elmquist; stepmother Carol Elmquist; sister Lauran Lofgren and husband Ron; brother Gary Elmquist and wife Ann; stepsisters Brenda, Donna, and Elizabeth; sister-in-law Marlysue Esping Holmquist and husband Tom; brother-in-law Mark Esping and wife Mardel; nieces and nephews Hella, Alicia, Katy, Elisabeth, Benedikt, Trent, Jenny, Jason, Aimee, Jesika, Sean, Bethany, Ryan, Majkin, Cody, and John; foster daughters Leila and husband Fred; and Liezel Congresso Solas as well as many more beloved great-nieces and nephews. Those who were the recipients of his love and affection know that he shared his love equally with his extended family.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 10am at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas. The family will receive visitors the night prior from 4-7pm at the family home. Memorial donations may be directed to The Dala Pantry at Messiah Lutheran Church, 402 N 1st Street, Lindsborg, Kansas. The family also suggests a fitting remembrance of Larry is, in a spirit of love, to keep your heart, your mind, your soul open to saying “Yes” by being present to help when called, to stand up when needed and to face truth with courage and action.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry Edward Elmquist, please visit our floral store.