Rev. Lawrence E. Meinzen, age 97 of Troy, IL, born December 2, 1925 in Nagercoil, South India, passed away into the arms of Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at his residence surrounded by family.

Lawrence was a retired teacher, missionary in India and South Africa, and a pastor in the United States.  He was a WWII Army veteran both in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, having earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He was a member of the Lutheran Education Society, earning the Spiritus Christi medallion.  He enjoyed reading, decorating birdhouses, and collecting stamps and coins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin Herman and Lydia Matilda (nee Markworth) Meinzen; his first wife, Martha (nee Koch) Meinzen; an infant son, Luke; and a brother, Dr. Luther Meinzen.

He is survived by his spouse, Peggy Jean (nee Kelley) Sachtleben, whom he married June 10, 2009; five sons:  Philip (Melede), Stephen (Faith), Timothy (Lisa), John (Lisa), and David (Liz); five daughters:  Grace (Doug), Joyce (Dan), Kathleen (Myron), Linda (Don), and Sharon (David); 29 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL and 9 – 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the church.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday with Rev. Kyle Wright and Rev. Willie Meyer officiating.  Burial with military honors will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Hamel, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Bethania Kids, Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Lutheran World Relief and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.