Larry Unruh

Lawrence “Larry” Owen Unruh of Winona Lake, went home on his 75th birthday to his Lord and Savior whom he loved. He passed away at 10:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

He was born on Dec. 29, 1945, in Wasco, Calif. Larry was the last of four children born to Irene Cecil (Annis) Unruh and William Walter Unruh. On June 30, 1967, at the young age of 21, he became a husband, best friend and lifetime everything to Linda Carol Hawkins. They raised three children, made many wonderful memories, and shared 53 years of marriage together before he passed away.

Larry graduated from Shafter High School in Shafter, Calif. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. He continued his studies and graduated from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif. choosing counseling as a profession. Larry was a resident of Kosciusko County, for the past 40 years where he was a longtime member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Larry was a hard worker, whose commitment to his family was constantly evident in his self-sacrifice. He was known for being athletic and healthy, especially as he aged. Larry had an amazing caring heart for others and enjoyed working for the Bowen Center in Warsaw. For many years he had the privilege of interacting with and guiding those in need. Being a counselor was Larry’s calling and ministry as he was a very good listener and had wise advice to share to others when needed. He would most want to be remembered for his steadfast faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. His family will forever remember Larry as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his living wife: Linda Carol Unruh, Winona Lake; two sons: Joel (Luz Maria) Unruh, Katy, Texas; Josh (Erika) Unruh, Atlanta, Ga.; daughter: Amy (Justin) McGouldrick, LaFontaine; and nine grandchildren: Liam, Erin, Ryan, Jireh, Joel David, Ethan, Emily, Ashton, Vivienne. Also surviving is his brother: Bill (Marna) Unruh, Port Orchard, Wash.; four brothers-in-law: John (companion Jean) Hawkins, Winona Lake; Dan (Chris) Hawkins, Warsaw; Tim (companion Kim) Hawkins, LaPorte; Peter (Aurelie) Hawkins, Mekoryak, Alaska; sister-in-law: Janice Shennun, Winona Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews that he dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4, at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake. Larry’s life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. and officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, IN 46590 and would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.