PEORIA – Lawrence E. “Larry” Stenger died at 8:10 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born on August 2, 1926 in Ft. Madison, IA and raised by his adoptive parents John and Bessie Stenger. He married Mary Ann Rippenkroeger on October 16, 1948. She survives along with five children Roger Stenger, Pamela Stenger and Julie Higgins of Peoria and Michael Stenger and Donald Stenger of Scottsdale, AZ; three grandchildren Austin, Aaron, and Alana; and one great-grandchild Elsie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two sisters, and one son Ronald.

Larry was a Marine Corp Veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict where he served from 1946-1951. He was a conductor on the Sante Fe and TP&W Railroads for over 40 years and a 51 year member of the United Transportation Union.

Larry was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #2 where he held many offices including Post Commander, Peoria County Commander, and 16^th District Commander. He was also the 40/8 Chef De Gare for Voiture 529 Illinois. He was the Americanism Chairman for Post #2 where he ran the Oratorical Contest and awarded medals and college scholarships to contest winning students from all Peoria schools. He was most proud of the work that he had done for many years organizing the Veterans’ Day Parade. He was also Sergeant at Arms in the Post #2 Color Guard, a Charter/ Life member in the Pekin Amvets Post #169, a Life member in the Peoria Marine Corp Club, and a member of the National Sergeant at Arms Club.

Larry was a member of St. Marks Catholic Church.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Chaplain James DeLoatche will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery with full military rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Association or the American Legion Color Guard.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.