Larry Jannings

Larry D. Jannings, 74, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Friday, November 27, 2009, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, IA. Visitation will begin after 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant, IA. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., that afternoon at the Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Dan Spray officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Green Glade Cemetery in Farmington, IA. Memorials have been established to Camp Nauvoo. Born October 8, 1935, in Farmington, IA, Larry Dean was the son of William Dale and Ruth Elizabeth (Munford) Jannings. He spent his formative years in Farmington, and was a 1954 graduate of Keokuk High School. He enrolled in Graceland College and then graduated from Northwest Missouri State College with a degree in secondary education. On September 2, 1956, he married Janet Noftsger in Creston, IA. The couple later divorced. He married Bonnie (Stutzman) Smith on February 17, 1989, in Chariton, IA. Mr. Jannings began his teaching career in Hopkins, MO. He began teaching at Creston High School in 1962, where he was also a class sponsor, and helped organize proms and direct theatrical productions. In 1979, he taught at Chariton High School and continued teaching there until his retirement in 1991. He continued to substitute teach after his retirement. He loved sports and enjoyed coaching throughout his teaching career. An active man, Larry enjoyed his grandchildren and followed their many activities. He was a former pastor of the Community of Christ Church in Creston and Mt. Pleasant, where he shared his passion for helping young people through youth groups and church camps. He owned and operated LBJ Antiques in Mt. Pleasant and also worked for the REM Company. Larry was the president of the Twin Lakes Golf Country Club in Winfield and had served on the Lockridge City Council. Along with his wife, Bonnie, Larry is survived by three daughters, Angela (Dennis) Jandrey of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Alisa Collier of Warrensburg, MO, and Andrea (Kevin) Means of LaVista, NE; two step-sons, Jason (Debbie) Smith and Doug (Diana) Smith, all of Mt. Pleasant, IA; and one brother, Steve (Jean) Jannings of St. Joseph, MO. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Jill (Brett) Lemaster and her daughter, Allison, Jayme (Brian) Spanhut and her son, Daxton, Ashlei (Mike) Phelps, Creighton and Cooper Collier, Josh, Jacob, and Jenna Means, Kelsey, Kirsten, and Kenna Smith, and Emma and Abby Smith. Mr. Jannings was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, David Jannings.