Lawrence Eugene Nestler, 83, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, December 06, 2013, at the Kenwood View Nursing Home in Salina, Kansas.

Lawrence was born on August 23, 1930, in Russell, Kansas the son of Herman and Bessie (Golding) Nestler.  He grew up in and attended local schools in the Russell area.  On September 13, 1949 he joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War.  After the war he returned to Russell where he has lived most all his life.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Genevieve Gerene Strecker on January 17, 1953 in Russell.  From this union Lawrence and Genevieve were blessed with 4 daughters Sharon, Rosemary, Kim and Sandra.  Lawrence worked most of his life as a pumper with Shield’s Oil Company.  He was a former member of the Redeamer Lutheran Church and was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 6240 in Russell.  He enjoyed coin collecting, drinking beer, raising cows, making homemade beer and wine and spending time with friends.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his many grand children and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include his daughters Sharon Apple and husband Don of Gardner, Kansas, Rosemary Elam and husband Terry of Russell, Kim Grizzle and husband Phillip of Cushing, Oklahoma and Sandra Strachan and husband Ray Patrick of Russell; two brothers Bud Nestler of Salina, Kansas and Eddie Nestler of Russell; 2 sisters Betty Klooster and husband Harold of Alexandria, Louisiana and Ruthie Brundgardt of El Dorado, Kansas; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Genevieve on May 25, 2008.

A celebration of Lawrence’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery with military rites performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, December 9, 2013 at the mortuary.  Family will be present to greet guest from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening at the mortuary.  Memorials may be given to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.