Joseph "Buzz" E. Lardner

Joseph E. “Buzz” Lardner found his “peace and quiet” Jan. 29, 2015. He was the fifth child born to James T. and Catherine M. Durkin Lardner, Mar. 5, 1933 at 307 SW Courtland. He attended Holy Name Grade School with his siblings – James “Brother”, Catherine “Kitty”, Charles “Corky”, and Mary Ellen “Susie” – and achieved Eagle Scout. While attending Maur Hill, he was class president and made the first touchdown on Hayden High School’s new football field. He coached boy’s basketball and was a member of the Alpha Delta Fraternity before graduating from Washburn University. He married Donna L. Eakes June 25, 1955. They travelled together while he served as a pilot in the Air Force. Following his Irish stonecutting heritage, he worked with his father and brothers at J.T. Lardner Cut Stone. In 1958, he and Donna opened a separate office for Lardner Monuments, a business which continues the family tradition today. His work also included restoration projects on Kansas buildings, parish altars, and Law Enforcement memorials. He was a fifty-year member of the Knights of Columbus; served as treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul and president of Rotary Club, Serra Club, and Rochester PTA; participated in Sunrise Optimist Club; and received the lifetime achievement award from Mater Dei parish. He enjoyed people and appreciated his many animal companions. By example, he taught us: you never give up on family; you never need to be unpleasant; you always help those less fortunate because you don’t know what they have been through; and, above all, always trust in the Lord. Survivors include his wife; children-Chris and Diane Westling, J. Kelley Lardner, Eddie & Jean Fairchild, John Lardner, Ann Aponte, and S. Jacob Lardner; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister- “Susie” Hoferer; nieces and nephews. Mr. Lardner will lie in state from 5-7 pm Tuesday at Mater Dei Holy Name Church where the rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm followed by the Fourth Degree Chalice Ceremony. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 10:30 am at the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to Mater Dei parish,1114 SW 10th St, Topeka Ks 66604 or Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka Ks 66606. The following link will take you to Joseph Lardner's video: https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/DRD254T3S4SYZBF6

Joseph "Buzz" E. Lardner

March 5, 1933 - January 29, 2015