Larry V. Warnemuende

Larry was born in Highland Park, Michigan, on January 26, 1948, to Herman and Ruth (Duke) Warnemuende, along with his identical-twin brother Jerald. His younger siblings, Dean, Blair, and Dawn, joined the family over the following years. On December 21, 1968, Larry married Sharon (Ficke). He is survived by four children: Kevin (Lavonda) Warnemuende, Kraig (Loren) Warnemuende, Kris (Katrina) Warnemuende, and Kathy King. His living grandchildren are Abigail and Zivah (Kevin); Clare, Evie, and Jon (Kraig); Eli, Simeon, Tahlia, Boden, Anya, and Waelan (Kris); and Xhayvian, Elizabeth, and Teidra (Kathy). 

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 43065 Joy Road, Canton, Michigan. The live stream link will be active ten minutes before the service at http://www.cbcjoy.org/memorial

Our family would like to honor the memory of Larry by recalling how he exemplified the love of Christ. Larry loved well, and we loved him for it.

The motivation for Larry’s life work:

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

When Larry was a young man, he came to know Jesus Christ; he was baptized on October 16, 1955, at seven years of age. His relationship with his savior shaped his heart; he desired that others know the love of Christ. When Larry was fourteen, in response to a missionary presentation in Christian Service Brigade, he felt God’s call to mission service and dedicated his life to that.

The progression of his faith-driven maturity began with his leadership in the Christian Service Brigade in high school. After graduating in 1966, he attended Moody Bible Institute where he prepared for missionary service, earning his pilot and aircraft licenses. During this time he married Sharon, a missionary kid from Ecuador, and together they planned to head into missions overseas. He completed his degree in sociology at Eastern Michigan University, and a short time later he and Sharon entered into language training in preparation to go to Africa with Mission Aviation Fellowship. 

Memorable moments in overseas missions:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23

Larry served God and others as a pilot for 40 years. After language school in Switzerland (1975-76), he and Sharon headed to Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) where they lived for about 19 months before starting the MAF program in Bata, Central African Republic (1977-85). From there he flew people and supplies into remote locations in CAR and other nearby countries. Children flocked to his plane in awe, wanting to touch it. Instead of driving them back to secure the aircraft, Larry engaged them with Bible stories while waiting for his next flight. Each person he met appreciated what he brought to them, but more than that they sensed his love for them.

As the mission field grew and aviation opened doors for people to access more remote locations for a variety of services, Larry moved to other locations in Africa and, later, Asia. During a second stint in Zaire, Larry researched airplanes that would be faster and more efficient for the long-distance mission needs of the region. In 1993 a donor provided the means for a King Air 200, and Larry flew this plane for the rest of his time with MAF. He loved that airplane and all those it could reach. 

Over the course of his career, he flew in and through 45 countries. He and Sharon lived in seven different countries, leaving a legacy of love and commitment to excellence. His career overseas came to an end in 2014 after a medical emergency grounded him from flying. At that time, his family was privileged to have more time to interact with him and care for his needs just as he had cared for our needs. 

The end of Larry’s life, knowing Jesus was with him:

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid…” Deuteronomy 31:8

As Larry’s health deteriorated, he faced each new challenge, bravely fighting for life as he could. Late on Saturday night, July 20, Larry’s spirit was freed from his earthly tent. His family rejoices with him, that he has been reunited with family members who preceded him in death: his parents, Herman and Ruth, his stillborn daughter Kandace (1978), and his granddaughter Keren (eldest daughter of Kraig and Loren). We draw hope and comfort by the legacy of faith he left each of us. Dad, we believe you have seen the face of God and have been welcomed into His arms with the words: 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

These are the stories we know, and a few of our memories. We would love to hear your stories and memories of Larry.  Please share them here.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to continue Dad’s legacy by making a donation in his name to Mission Aviation Fellowship or a mission organization of your choice.