(From Lakin Funeral Home)Lawrence Eugene "Gene" Gripka, age 81, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO with family by his side. He was born in Pierce City, MO on Monday, July 13, 1942; son of Lawrence and Louise (Wimsatt) Gripka.
Gene attended St. Mary's Catholic School and was a 1960 graduate of McAuley High School in Joplin, MO. He was in the US Air Force for four years where he was a photographer in Japan.
Gene married Jeannette Bentley on July 9, 1965, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO. He enjoyed coaching many sports through the years for his daughters and their friends. Gene retired from the United States Post Office where he was a letter carrier for many years in Pierce City. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was also a member of the American Legion in Pierce City.
Gene raised cattle and was a farmer as well. He loved his family, enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, and liked spending time with his companion, Maggie Mae, the family dog. Gene "traveled west" quite often spending time at the Casinos. He and Jeannette enjoyed traveling together after his retirement. He will be missed by many!
Surviving are the following: his wife, Jeannette Gripka of Pierce City, MO; two daughters, Michelle "Shelly" (Bryan) Stellwagen of Pierce City, MO and Laura (Jay) Apostol of Monett, MO; four brothers, Edward (Pat) Gripka of Newalla, OK, Tom (Terri) Gripka of Pierce City, MO, Tim Gripka of Monett, MO, and John Gripka of Pierce City, MO; three sisters, Helen Eddingfield of Wentworth, MO, Betty Yale of Fayetteville, AR, and Rita Cartmell of Wentworth, MO; five grandchildren, Christine Stellwagen and Abby, Jayden, Gabriella and Alexandra Apostol plus two bonus grandchildren, Blake Tatsch and JJ Cavazos; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Welcoming him to heaven were his parents, Lawrence and Louise Gripka; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy (Ronald) Blinzler; two brothers-in-law, Sheridan Eddingfield and Tom Cartmell; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Glenda (Joe) Hawkins; and a nephew, Johnnie Lawson.
Surviving are the following: his wife, Jeannette Gripka of Pierce City, MO; two daughters, Michelle "Shelly" (Bryan) Stellwagen of Pierce City, MO and Laura (Jay) Apostol of Monett, MO; four brothers, Edward (Pat) Gripka of Newalla, OK, Tom (Terri) Gripka of Pierce City, MO, Tim Gripka of Monett, MO, and John Gripka of Pierce City, MO; three sisters, Helen Eddingfield of Wentworth, MO, Betty Yale of Fayetteville, AR, and Rita Cartmell of Wentworth, MO; five grandchildren, Christine Stellwagen and Abby, Jayden, Gabriella and Alexandra Apostol plus two bonus grandchildren, Blake Tatsch and JJ Cavazos; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Welcoming him to heaven were his parents, Lawrence and Louise Gripka; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy (Ronald) Blinzler; two brothers-in-law, Sheridan Eddingfield and Tom Cartmell; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Glenda (Joe) Hawkins; and a nephew, Johnnie Lawson.
A Prayer Service/Rosary will be on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 6:00 PM. Visitation will follow until 8:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 24, 2024, with Father Matt Rehrauer officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pierce City, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.
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