Lawrence Bengtson

Lawrence O. "Larry" Bengtson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022.  Larry was born on December 10, 1922, near Smolan, Kansas.  He was the son of Gustaf and Augusta Bengtson.  He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Smolan.  After enrolling at Bethany College, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and proudly served from 1942 to 1946. He was a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot and served overseas for 16 months stationed in England and Germany as a member of the 350th Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group of the 8th Air Force.  When he returned from World War II, he received his AB and Juris Doctorate degrees from Washburn University.  He married Marjorie Oborg in 1953, and they were happily married for 65 years.  He practiced law in Salina from 1950 until 2001.  During his legal career, he served as Salina City Attorney from 1963 to 1985, counsel for the Salina Airport Authority, and was United States Commissioner for Kansas from 1956 to 1969.  He was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Isis Shrine and Gridiron Club, and served on the Boards of Directors for Assaria State Bank and the Swedish-American Life Insurance Company. He also served on the Board of Trustees for St. Johns Hospital and the St. Johns Military School.  He also served in various capacities with the Lutheran Church, serving on the Executive Council of the Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Merger Committee.  Larry received great joy from raising his two sons, being "Pappy" to his grandchildren and great grandchild, playing golf with his friends and family, and attending Jayhawk basketball games. Larry is survived by his sons, Mike (Pam) Bengtson of Austin, Texas, and David (Mary) Bengtson of Wichita; grandchildren, Charlie Bengtson, Emily (Coleby) Henzlik and Sloan Bengtson; and great grandchild, Wade Henzlik.  Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marge, his brothers Axel, Raymond and Erick Bengtson, and his sisters Irene McCormick, Evelyn Reed, Ruby Fulton, Grace Johnson and Virginia Lilly.  A graveside service will be held at Salemsborg Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m.on December 10, 2022, which would have been his 100th birthday.  A memorial has been established at Salemsborg Lutheran Church, 3831 West Salemsborg Road, Salemsborg, Kansas 67456.  Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services Cozine Memorial Group.