Lawrence Wansing

Lawrence Anton Wansing, age 91, of Meta, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home. He was born on the family farm in Meta on June 6, 1934, son of the late William and Rose (Twehaus) Wansing. On June 3, 1961, in Argyle, Lawrence was united in marriage to JoAnn Pauline Wieberg, who survives at their home.

Lawrence served in the United States Army from February 5, 1957, until his honorable discharge on January 31, 1963. He was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, as a Military Policeman. During his training he received an Expert Rifleman’s badge, a Sharpshooters badge on the M1 Carbine and qualified to carry a 45 Cal. Sidearm for Military Police purposes. On the M1 he compiled 212 of a possible 220 points as an expert rifleman. He was a lifelong member of the Westphalia American Legion Post #544.

He served on the board of the St. Thomas Babbtown Mutual Insurance Company for 33 years, serving as President of the board for 17 of those years, before retiring in 2020.

He served for 30 years for The Osage County (R3) board of education at Westphalia, serving five years as President, four years as Vice President, and two years as Treasurer. While on the Fatima school board he had the privilege of presenting the High School diploma to each of his 12 children, which was a record in the State of Missouri.

Lawrence was an active member of the Meta Community. He took on the challenging task of getting a Dollar General store in Meta, which through his persistence he successfully accomplished. He served on many local boards including the MFA, Osage County DHIA, and the COMM-Community Ambulance Board. He was a faithful member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

In addition to working in the insurance industry, he also operated Green Valley Dairy and Beef Farm, which Lawrence took great pride in. The farm has been in the Wansing family since 1850.

Lawrence was always willing to lend a helping hand and believed in giving his time and talent to the benefit of others.

In addition to his loving wife, JoAnn Wansing, he is also survived by 11 children, Arlene (Patrick) Holtmeyer, Brenda (Bill) Dallmeyer, Alan (Brenda) Wansing, Michael (Patti) Wansing, Janis (Doug) Alley, Wanda (Dean) Holtmeyer, Patti (Kelly) Otto, Cathy (Brian) Backes, Kim Wansing, Sharon (Bruce) Sprenger, and Daniel (Amy) Wansing; 24 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Betty Voss; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Wansing; daughter, Cindy Carmack; and four brothers, John Wansing, Herman Wansing, Clarence Wansing, and Charles Wansing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta with Fr. Porterfield officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, January 27, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Westphalia American Legion or St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta.