Larry Gene Hagedorn, 75, of Hanover, KS, passed December 23, 2025, at CHI Heart Hospital, Lincoln, NE.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 28 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Hanover Mortuary. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 29 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Bremen, KS. Pastor Albert Bader will officiate. Bev Crome played the organ while the congregation sang "I'm But a Stranger Here", "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", "Abide with Me", and "Amazing Grace."

The pallbearers were his nephews Kevin Champagne, Kurt Champagne, James Hagedorn, Jason Crome, Joey Crome, Greg Stohs, Johnathan Stohs, Dalton Hagedorn and Dacey Hagedorn.

Burial was in the church cemetery.

Larry was born December 27, 1949, to Alvin and Marjorie (Gordon) Hagedorn. He was baptized January 15, 1950, and confirmed May 26, 1963, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Barnes, Kansas.

Larry attended Hanover Public Schools and graduated from Hanover High School in 1967. After graduation, he returned to the family farm to continue farming with his family.

On November 23, 1974, he was united in marriage to Susan Schotte at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They were blessed with three children, Katina, Karissa, and Kayne.

Larry lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, kindness, and community. A lifelong farmer, he took great pride in caring for the land and working side by side with his family and trusted hired hands. Farming was never just a job, it was a way of life he loved and shared. He taught his children the values of perseverance and stewardship, often spending long days in the fields and evenings helping with 4-H projects, cheering them on every step of the way. He was the neighbor who showed up when someone needed help, proud to be part of a farming community that looked out for each other. He was the first to lend a hand during planting or harvest, and after retirement, he continued hauling grain for friends, family and neighbors.

When his own children began playing sports at Hanover High School, Larry started driving the activity bus—a role that became a decades-long commitment. Over the years, he logged thousands of miles behind the wheel, safely carrying generations of students to games and events. He wasn’t just a driver; he was part of the team, sharing in victories and defeats and always cheering for his beloved Hanover Wildcats. His steady presence and encouraging words impacted the lives of every student who stepped through those bus doors.

He also gave countless hours to other youth programs, helping lead the Hanover 4-H Club and assisting with numerous FFA events. His dedication to supporting young people in agriculture was recognized when he and Sue were honored as Honorary Chapter Members by Hanover FFA and received the Distinguished Service Award from Washington County 4-H. In addition, he served on the Washington County Fair Board for a number of years, further demonstrating his commitment to agriculture and community.

After retiring from farming, Larry worked at Landoll Corporation, where he was a valued and reliable employee and coworker. He was always counted on to do things right and do them well. His strong work ethic and integrity earned the respect of everyone around him. Later, he continued his service to the community by maintaining township roads, ensuring safe travels for neighbors and friends.

Known for his warm smile and friendly remarks, Larry never met a stranger. For over 40 years, he faithfully served as an usher at Immanuel Lutheran Church, greeting each person with kindness and making them feel welcome. He was a familiar, friendly face at Ricky’s Café and enjoyed coffee and conversation at the Pony, where laughter and stories were always part of the day. His gift was simple but profound—making people smile and feel at ease.

Above all, he loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their games and events, always their biggest fan. Everyone who talked with him knew he was proud of each one and their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan (Schotte) Hagedorn, father Alvin Hagedorn, mother Marjorie Hagedorn, mother-in-law, Anita (Sohl) Schotte Kruse, father-in-law, Paul N. Schotte Jr.; Duane Kruse; sister, Marlaine Champagne; brother-in-law Kenneth Champagne.

Survivors include his children Katina (Darrin) Holle, Gardner, KS, Karissa (Dan) Stiers, Topeka, KS, Kayne (Taylor) Hagedorn, West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, Jackson, Emerson and Addison Holle, Amelia Stiers, Maisyn and Halle Hagedorn; sisters Nancy (Wayne) Crome, Hanover, KS, Alice (Gordon) Stohs, Wamego, KS; brothers Richard (Carol) Hagedorn, Herkimer, KS, Wayne Hagedorn, Ardmore, OK, Mark (Lori) Hagedorn, Hanover, KS; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathryn (Larry) Pralle, Bremen, KS, Steve (Margaret) Schotte, Marysville, KS, Pat (Kelly) Schotte, Marysville, KS, Jean (Craig) Lister, Marysville, KS, Ann (Hal) Sankey, Andale, KS; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends and former Hanover Wildcat bus riders.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be designated by the family to be used for memorials at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Hanover Public Schools. Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary.