Cover photo for Lawrence "Larry" Tenk's Obituary
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In Memory Of
Lawrence "Larry" Tenk
1920 2011

Lawrence "Larry" Tenk

July 26, 1920 — February 26, 2011

Lawrence O. Larry Tenk, Jr. was born on Monday, July 26, 1920, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Lawrence O. and Florence E. (Holt) Tenk. In the late 1970’s, Larry moved from the south central Kansas area to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, where he made his home until his death on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the age of ninety years. Larry graduated from high school in Quincy, Illinois in 1938, and attended Quincy College. He graduated from Tulsa University in 1950, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was a lifelong petroleum engineer and independent consultant, and was also involved daily with his own oil rigs and leases. He was a member and former director of Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association and Independent Oil and Gas Association of America, and member and former president of Eastern Kansas Oil and Gas. Larry served as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force from November 7, 1939, to November 22, 1945, during World War II, with his tour of duty including the Pacific Theatre. He was a flight engineer participating in more than thirty Saipan missions. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Ottawa; Ottawa Country Club; Alvamar Country Club of Lawrence, Kansas; Palm Brook Country Club of Sun City, Arizona; Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Franklin County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. In 1946, Larry was united in marriage with Jeane Elliott in Scottsdale, Arizona. They were later divorced. In 1989, Larry was united in marriage with Julia J. Trigg in Ottawa. She preceded him in death. On May 2, 1999, Larry was united in marriage with Donna Mae (Huston) Birckhead in Ottawa. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two stepsons, Greg Bulmer and wife, Amy, Rick Bulmer and wife, Bonnie, all of Ottawa; stepdaughter, Chanda Hillhouse of Topeka, KS; stepdaughter-in-law, Karen Trigg of Charlotte, NC; four sisters, Jenny Gustison and husband, Herb, Judy Alcorn and husband, Dale, all of Quincy, IL, Shirley Sieb and husband, William, of Edwardsville, IL, Mary Sundeen of Chatham, IL; eight step grandchildren, Brock Bulmer, Kyle Bulmer, Payton Bulmer, Robi Murray, Ricky Bulmer, Sean Bulmer, Merritt Trigg, Jesse Burgoon; four step gt.-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by two stepsons, James and Bob Trigg; two brothers, Theodore and Dale Tenk; and two sisters, Geraldine Weedman and Marguerite Allain. Larry was deeply devoted to his family. He and Donna enjoyed traveling and hosting family gatherings. He was adventurous, unselfish, and always diplomatic. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, golfing, and inspecting his oil wells. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends at the Country Club and looked forward to his visits with thecoffee club at Kramer Pharmacy. Larry will be remembered as a kind and compassionate man with a big heart who would go out of his way to help people. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2011. IN STATE: Mr. Tenk will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 to 7:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas, with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Franklin County Habitat for Humanity, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.

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