Our Heavenly Father called his servant, Larry Dean Dedeke, 80, home to be with Jesus after a period of failing health, surrounded by his loving family on February 7, 2026. Larry was born on September 6, 1945, in Higginsville, Missouri. He was the fourth of five children of Walter Wilhelm Christ and Mabel Marie (Roepe) Dedeke. He was baptized and made a child of God on October 7, 1945, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Ernestville, Missouri.
After moving to the Leavenworth, Kansas area, Larry was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he was confirmed in the faith on March 22, 1959. Most currently, he was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an elder for several years.
While attending St. Paul Lutheran School in the eighth grade, Larry met Sharon Louise Kumm. About six years later on September 10, 1966, Larry and Sharon were joined in holy matrimony at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with four wonderful children: Jeffery, Dawn “Shell”, Andrew, and Matthew. Additional blessings were the gifts of ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Leavenworth Senior High in 1963, Larry joined the Army and served seven years in the reserves. Together with his brother, Eugene, Larry opened an automotive repair shop, attaining the status of Master Mechanic. Larry also served on the Leavenworth Police Department from 1968 to 1977, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. His love for the law began with his grandfather, Julius Roepe (a constable in Concordia, Missouri). Two of his sons, Andy and Jeff, have also worked in law enforcement on both the Leavenworth Police and Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Departments.
Larry loved Leavenworth and served the community on Leavenworth City Commission for nearly 20 years, serving as Mayor five times from 2002-2013. Until the end of January, he would continue to do a daily drive to check out “his” city. Larry has joined his parents; son, Jeff; and grandchild, Kylie, who have already gone on to be with their Savior. We look forward to seeing each other again in eternity.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Dawn “Shell” Kueter (Anthony Thomas, fiancé) of Olathe, Andy (Wendy) Dedeke of Leavenworth, Matt (Jean) Dedeke of Leavenworth; daughter-in-law Tammy (Brandon) Dedeke-Oswald of Leavenworth; grandchildren Brenna Visocsky, Zachary Bailey, Meghan Bulkley, Kelsey Dedeke, Elijah (Haley) Dedeke, Grace (Austin) White, Ryan Dedeke, Elke Dedeke (Emilio Vallarino,fiancé), and Chase Dedeke; great-grandchildren Zadok Price, Harper Bulkley, Lynlee and Preslee Dedeke, and Olivia and Brooklynn White; sister-in-law Donna Dedeke of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 11 th 5 – 7 pm at Trinity with services to be held on Thursday, February 12th at Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Muncie Cemetery.Memorials may be given to:Trinity Lutheran Church 2101 10 th Avenue,Worship Anew, 5 Martin Luther Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825St. Luke’s Home Care a& Hospice, 1001 6 th Ave Suite125 Leavenworth,
