Larry J. Preister
June 26, 1930 – May 9, 2020
Larry John Preister was born on June 26, 1930, to William and Margaret Preister near Saint Ben, Platte County, Nebraska. He was the eleventh of twelve children. His parents lost their farm during the Great Depression and the family moved to Utica, Michigan.
After graduation from Utica High School Larry moved back to Platte County, Nebraska. He met a one-room country school teacher, Victoria Rist, and the two were married at Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church near Humphrey, Nebraska in 1952. They soon moved to Omaha and started a family. Larry had several jobs before starting a career as a milkman with Alamito Dairy. In 1970, he changed employment to become an insurance agent with John Hancock Life Insurance Company.
In 1982, Larry suffered a complication from brain surgery that affected his speaking ability. He did not let that deter him from living an outgoing and active life and began a new career as a carpenter. He was very giving of his time and talent, working on many projects for customers as well as family and friends. His skills were many. He could build and fix just about anything. He once replaced the engine in his milk truck over a weekend. His grilled chicken was legendary.
Beginning around 1990, and continuing for a couple of decades, Larry and Vicki were “Winter Texans” spending January and February each year on the Texas Gulf Coast in Port Aransas. Since 2010, Larry and Vicki enjoyed living at Maple Ridge Retirement Community in west Omaha in the company of many good friends.
On May 9, 2020, he passed away peacefully at home with family at his side.
Larry Preister was very much beloved by his family and his friends. He was resourceful and generous and treated everyone with courtesy and respect. He set an example that his children and others endeavor to follow.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Victoria; children, Dave (Lisa), Cheri, Dan (Di), Mary Kay Love (Fred), Mike (Selina), Teresa Thorson (Don), and Bill (Tracy); sister, Sr. Margaret Mary Preister OSF; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and in-laws.
VISITATION observing CDC Guidelines: Friday, Sept. 25th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MEMORIAL MASS: Saturday, Sept. 26th at 10am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.
18 Comments
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are sorry for your loss but heaven has gained an awesome man.
Trish and I want to express our grief and condolences to all of you. Larry always showed caring and interest in everyone with a good dose of humor. He will be remembered always. Trish and Gerard Greim
Thoughts and prayers to the family of a wonderful uncle I will always remember,
My condolences to you Dan and Di and families for your father’s passing.
Sending heartfelt sympathy to Aunt Vicki and the entire family. What a great husband and father and role model. His awesome chicken recipe will live on. We will always call it Uncle Larry’s chicken when on the menu in our home. RIP Uncle Larry.
Uncle Larry was one of a kind. Always a smile and would always grab your hands and ask how you were doing. So glad we got to get together in January with all the Preister’s. He will be greatly missed.
Will definitely miss Uncle Larry, the Great! He was an inspiration to me growing up and was like an older brother figure for me. Love to Aunt Vicki and the kids, grandkids and great grandchildren ❣️
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Maybe what’s most notable is how Larry (and, of course, Vicki) could always bring people together. Without trying, he was a magnet, gathering not just his own kids from all corners of the US, but other kids, such as myself, to tag along on occasion, enjoying being an adopted Preister for a couple of hours. And if the warmth and love of the Preister family wasn’t enough of a draw, Larry’s chicken always got you there. Rest in peace.
Uncle Larry will be remembered by many. Love to all my family.
Our sympathy to the family. Among all his other accomplishments, he had and raised a great family. A loss for everyone who knew him.
We are sad we no longer have Uncle Larry on this earth with us. Knowing that he is spending forever with family members and friends in heaven brings peace and comfort. Aunt Vicki and family may your memories bring peace and comfort. RIP uncle Larry. Love you.
Vicki and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing May God Bless all of you
Thoughts and Prayers from the Francis Korth Family
Dear Vicki,
Mom (and Dad) wanted to be sure that you knew that they were thinking of you. They have been sharing some wonderful memories……Larry working on remodeling their kitchen in Ralston to all the trips down south as winter Texans…to all the times you all got together in Omaha.
They are both in the Papillion Manor and do not have access to a computer.
Again, our condolences to you and your family. I know that they will be praying for peace and comfort for you.
May God Bless You.
Dale & Estelle Black
Sending my condolences and love to Vicky and the wonderful Preister’ children. Larry was a wonderful man and made a beautiful family. Thinking of you all. Take good care. Love Staz
Vicki and family – so very sorry to hear about Larry.. Sending our love and sympathy.. what a wonderful family and you guys have made a lifetime of wonderful memories.. Keeping you in our hearts today and always..
Mrs. Preister, I just read this and am so sorry to learn. YOu are in my thoughts and prayers. Barb
uncle larry you will always be remembered for your kindness and love
love bev and frank vandamme
We are so sorry we could not pay our respects in person. Our hearts and prayers are with you today and always.
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