Larry William Lautenschleger

Larry Lautenschleger, 82, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026. Surrounded by the family he cherished, Larry left this world with the dignity of a true gentleman, a dedicated soldier, and a lifelong enthusiast of the game of golf.

Born on November 2, 1943, Larry developed a sharp eye and a steady hand early in life. While attending Baltic High School in his hometown of Baltic, OH, his love of baseball earned him the nickname “Lefty”. To this day, many people still refer to him as Lefty Lautenschleger. His love of the game even caught the eye of a New York Yankees farm team recruiter. It was also in Baltic where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Rauschenbach.

In 1968, he answered the call to duty, serving in the United States Army in Vietnam. He navigated the high stakes of military service with discipline, strategy, and resilience, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds received in service.

After his time in the Army, Larry and Linda relocated to Columbus, OH. Larry became a custodian at the Fisher Guide Plant (Delphi) and enrolled at the Columbus Business University where he earned his degree in Accounting. The Plant recognized Larry’s dedication, drive, and work ethic and hired him into the payroll department where he continued to work for many years until retirement.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Margaret Lautenschleger, brother Rich Lautenschleger and his wife Gayle, and his first love and wife, Linda Rauschenbach Lautenschleger.

Larry’s joys were simple but abundant - family and golf. He leaves behind his loving family who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. Larry is survived by his three sons: Chad (Sherry) Lautenschleger of Grove City, Craig Lautenschleger (Dave Baker) of Columbus, and Clint Lautenschleger (Val) of Murfreesboro, TN. He leaves behind six cherished Lautenschleger grandchildren: Brad (Ryan), Caleb (Johnnessa), Christian (Laura), Josh (Lexi), Hanna, and Preston, as well as two beautiful great granddaughters Ellianna and Kinsley, his brother Rob Lautenschleger (Vi) and many nieces and nephews. Larry is also survived by his longtime companion, Sherry Rice, who has been by his side and a part of the family for decades.

Celebrations and Services

● Visitation & Celebration of Life: The family will receive friends on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4:00 PM –5:30 PM at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, 1051 Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. The visitation will be followed by a Celebration of Life, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM, also at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast in Gahanna, OH. Please join Larry’s family in wearing your favorite golf attire to the Celebration of Life as we play his final round together.

● Graveside Ceremony: Saturday, May 30, 11:00 AM West Lawn Cemetery, Baltic, OH, complete with Military honors by American Legion Post 494.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be considered for PGA HOPE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to save Veterans’ and Active Duty Military Service Members’ lives through the power of golf.

If interested, you can mail a check payable to:

PGA of America REACH Foundation/ Maureen Garanzin

1916 PGA Parkway

Frisco, TX 75033