Emogene "Genie" Lauterbach

In the early morn hours, March 3, 2011, Emogene “Genie” Laird Lauterbach determined that she had finished just about everything she needed to do in this world. She slipped away quietly in her hospital bed at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. She had moved from her lifelong home of Topeka, Kansas to Kansas City a year ago where she could be nearer to family. Genie was born October 5, 1914 in Topeka, Kansas. Her mother was Lucy Shumaker (deceased). Orphaned at age 4 she was adopted by her mother’s sister, Grace Laird (deceased) and gained a sister, Jo Betton (deceased). She had two other sisters: Francis Roland (deceased) and Lois Homewood of Fargo ND; and a brother Frank Senn (deceased). After graduating from Topeka High School at age 16, Genie attended Dickinson Business College. She was employed as a legal secretary by the law firm Doren, Klien, Colmery & Cosgrove. In 1936 she married Topekan, Bill Lauterbach, long time Realtor(deceased) and became a homemaker. Never one to be idle she “moved and raised children” and so much more. Genie volunteered extensively and especially enjoyed over 40 years as a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital. She was an avid gardener, played golf at Shawnee Country Club, fished all over the country with Bill, traveled in the USA and internationally. Genie could sew beautifully, was the Topeka Capital Journal’s ‘Cook of the Week’ (twice), a top bridge player and volunteered at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church just to mention a few of her activities! Genie raised 4 children: Bill Lauterbach (Nancy) of Overland Park KS; Mary Wood (deceased) (Jeff Wood) of Costa Mesa CA; Steve Lauterbach (Carol) of Scottsdale, AZ; and Sally Luttjohann of Prairie Village KS. Genie was grandmother to 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 SW 17th St., Topeka KS, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2011, with viewing & visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, SW 10th St. and Westchester Rd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Most Pure of Mary Ministry to the Aging.

Emogene "Genie" Lauterbach

October 5, 1914 - March 8, 2011