A Life of Quiet Service, Remembered with Comfort and Grace

On January 19 and 20, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Eden (Peace Lutheran, Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ Lutheran, Lincoln, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity Lutheran, Fremont, NE), were present at the visitation and funeral of Larry Wegner in West Point, NE.

Larry, a single man, lived a life overflowing with service. He was a faithful volunteer at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, where he devoted countless hours to supporting the ministry, school activities, and—most especially—the children he loved so dearly. He served as an usher, attended Sunday Bible study, and quietly took on many behind-the-scenes roles, always ready to help wherever he was needed. Larry also served on the St. Paul Lutheran School Board, including a term as president, and was an active member of the Booster Club. Whether working the Fair Stand, cheering from the sidelines, or faithfully standing as a crossing guard, Larry was a steady, encouraging presence in the community.

Because of the deep impact Larry had on the school, students were invited to participate in his funeral service. From the balcony, the children sang during the service and later joined their families. At the close of the service, they stood in the aisle and sang once more—a tender, emotional moment that allowed them to honor a man many knew as a quiet, dependable source of kindness.

One of Phinehas’ handlers shared, “What stood out most to me was how the comfort dogs simply brought peace to those who needed it. Larry was clearly a very special person in their lives, and it was obvious how deeply loved he was. One mom described him as the grandpa of the school, which perfectly captured his gentle presence and the comfort he shared.”

A handler from Eden’s team added, “Larry Wegner was truly a pillar of strength in his church, school, and community. A moment I’ll never forget was when a mother and her preschooler told me that her five-year-old said now Larry and his grandmother could be dancing together in heaven. It was a beautiful reminder of Scripture’s call to have faith like a child.”

Throughout the visitation and funeral, the Comfort Dog teams offered calm companionship and a tangible reminder of God’s peace—a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life offering those same gifts to others.

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