LARRY JOSEPH ZERNGAST

Larry Joseph Zerngast, 82, of Girard, Kansas, passed away on October 19, 2026, at Girard Medical Center.

Born January 27, 1944, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Joseph “Zig” and Elizabeth “Tootie” (Utermoehlen) Zerngast, Larry grew up in Arma, Kansas, where he attended Arma High School and met the love of his life, Karen. They married on October 30, 1965, and shared 60 wonderful years together. Larry also proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard.

Larry was a hardworking and dedicated businessman who, alongside Karen, owned and operated the beloved Chicken Mary’s restaurant in Frontenac, Kansas, carrying on a family legacy established by his grandparents in the early 1940s.

An accomplished trapshooter and member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) and Kansas Trapshooting Association (KTA), Larry earned numerous national placements, achieved the prestigious ATA Grand Slam recognition in 1993, and was part of two Guinness World Record-setting squads in 1994 and 1998. Despite his many accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy was always his family.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Karen; daughter, Amy (Jeff) McDonald; granddaughters, Ashley (Klay) O’Brien and Marcy McDonald; great-grandchildren, Indy and Kohen O’Brien; and sister, Donna Pichler. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In accordance with Larry’s wishes, cremation will take place. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m., at Bedene Funeral Home in Arma, Ks, with Father Daniel Vacca and lifelong friend Bruce Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Pittsburg, Kansas. Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at Bedene Funeral Home in Arma, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Girard High School Trapshooting, payable to Girard Trap Team. Memorials may be sent to or left at Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, P.O. Box 621, Arma, Kansas, 66712.