Lawrence "Larry" Lang Gehlhausen

Lawrence (Larry) Gehlhausen, 73, of Walla Walla passed away peacefully at Providence Portland Hospital on January 11, 2013. Waiting to greet him are his sister, Corky, his brother, Bill, his brother-in-law, Bob and his parents, Albert and Nora Gehlhausen.

Larry is survived by his wife, Janet, of 45 years; his three children, Pamela Hanger (Jay), Steve Gehlhausen (Cathy) and Marla Capra (David); two sisters, Barbara Jones and Sue Gray (Bill); two brothers, Tim Gehlhausen (Susie) and Mike Gehlhausen (Marsha); 2 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was born in Evansville, Indiana and grew up in Livingston, Montana. A veteran of the armed services, Larry served in the Air Force from 1960 – 1964. He was stationed for most of his tour at Goldsborough, North Carolina.

A graduate of the University of Montana, Larry earned an accounting degree during his senior year. His first accounting position was as an auditor with the Internal Revenue Service in California where he met his wife Janet.

Larry and Janet moved to Walla Walla where Larry, with his brothers and father, built their family home. Larry was active with his family; camping, boating, water skiing, snow skiing and motorcycling. Larry enjoyed and excelled at his woodworking. He built oak and wood furniture for family and friends whenever asked. You can see a sample of one of his tables in the foyer at Assumption Catholic Church. Larry’s hobbies also included his model railroad room that he designed in his basement with the help of both of his daughters. Larry led by example as a Cub Master for his son’s Cub Scout troop. Larry’s Catholic Faith was important to him and his family.

Larry worked for 31 years at Neimi, Holland and Scott and retired in 1999 as one of its partners. Active in the Walla Walla community, Larry was a member of the BPOE #287 and Knights of Columbus. Larry served on the board of the Mike Foye Homes which is affiliated with the Catholic Church, he helped establish the Kirkman House Museum and served on its first board, and for many years was the Finance Chair for the Catholic Church. Larry also served as President of the local Rotary Club in 1987-1988. Larry was a Paul Harris Fellow and a Don Sherwood Fellow and for 21 years had 100 percent perfect attendance in Rotary. Larry was proud and enjoyed his involvements in all of his community activities.

Thank you does not sufficiently express our gratitude to the many of you for your role in Larry’s journey. He will be well remembered and greatly missed.

The Rosary will be recited on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, Washington with Sister Helen Mason officiating. The Memorial Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Tim Hays, Celebrant. There will be a reception following at the Assumption Parish Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Catholic Schools or a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral home.