Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Larry D. Christner, 77, of Winona Lake, peacefully went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2026, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
He was born in Peru, Ind., on May 27, 1948, to Carl and Norma Geberin Christner. Larry was a 1966 graduate of Maconaquah High School. He attended Corpus Christi College (Texas), Grace College and then received his diploma from Purdue University with a degree in human resources.
He had a lifelong love for basketball, playing in high school and college (at Corpus Christi and Grace College) and was an avid watcher of college basketball. Often called the “Gentle Giant,” his 6-foot-10-inch height gave him many advantages … too bad dunking the ball was approved after he left school! After graduation, he organized and ran several local independent basketball leagues in order to continue his love for the sport.
Larry spent most of his life in the Warsaw area where he was employed by Sun Metal Products, Maple Leaf Farms and 5 Hour Energy.
On Dec. 18, 1971, he married Margo King, and they were blessed to have shared 54 years of marriage together before his passing.
His greatest earthly treasure was the family he so dearly loved; nothing mattered more to him than the time they spent together.
Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Margo, Warsaw; their two sons, Brian (Lindsey) Christner, of Antioch, Ill.; and Aaron (Heidi) Christner, of Lititz, Pa.; his six precious grandchildren: Alexander (Jennifer), Jackson, Stephen, Emma, Hailey and Clara Christner; one cherished great-granddaughter, Isla Christner; his twin brother, Garry (Wanda) Christner, of Peru, Ind.; sister, Ronda (Davy) Troxel, of South Bend; brother, Jon (Kathy) Christner, of Englewood, Ohio; sister-in-law, Sherry (Mike) Decker, of Fort Wayne; and sister-in-law, Lana (Larry) VerHage, of Warsaw; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Daniel Christner.
A viewing from noon to 2 p.m. and a funeral service following at 2 p.m. will be held at the Warsaw Community Church, 1855 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw, on Saturday, April 11. Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw is in charge of the arrangements
