Lawrence R. Koerdt

Lawrence Raymond Koerdt, lovingly known as "Lonnie" or simply "Koerdt" to friends and family, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on October 9, 2024, at the age of 89. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was known for his unwavering love for his family, faith, and community.

Born on December 14, 1934, in Hartman, Arkansas, to Helen and Casper Koerdt, Lawrence grew up alongside his two brothers, Jerome and Eugene. He carried with him the bittersweet memory of his brother Joseph, who tragically passed away in infancy. Lawrence spent his formative years helping his family on their farm and later worked at Gallaway Lumber alongside his father and brother.

Before being drafted, Lawrence lived with his Uncle Lawrence Eheman and Aunt Vera in North Little Rock, where he worked at Reed Manufacturing and contributed to the making of the famous Rocket Nutcracker. Instead of waiting for the draft, he took matters into his own hands and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956. After completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas, and tech school in Amarillo, he became an airplane mechanic, specializing in F85 fighter planes, and served abroad in Africa.

In 1958, Lawrence married the love of his life, Dixie Moore of Coal Hill, Arkansas. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and faith. Their journey led them to Topeka, Kansas, where Lawrence continued his work as a fighter plane mechanic and where they welcomed their first child, Dolores. Soon after, their son Greg was born, and the family moved to North Little Rock, where Lawrence embarked on a lifelong career as a plumber. Over the years, he worked for Scott Plumbing and Jodie Kelly Plumbing until his retirement in 1997, though he never stopped lending a hand, always ready to fix or rebuild anything that came his way.

Lawrence was a true "Mr. Fix It," taking pride in rebuilding trucks, maintaining rental properties, and tinkering in his shed. His favorite pastimes were fishing and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Christy and his great-granddaughter Emma, who were the light of his life. His deep love for his family kept him going throughout his years, and he was happiest when surrounded by those he cherished.

A man of profound faith, Lawrence prayed the rosary every night and was a dedicated member of St. Anne's Catholic Church. His devotion extended beyond prayer, as he was an active member of the Men’s Club and generously gave his time to help repair and maintain the church, always offering a helping hand to friends and family in need.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Casper Koerdt, and his brothers, Jerome and Eugene. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dixie Moore Koerdt; his children, Dolores Reeves and Greg Koerdt, both of North Little Rock; his treasured granddaughter, Christy Reeves Peletz (Paul) of Urbandale, Iowa; and his great-granddaughter, Emma Peletz, also of Urbandale, Iowa. His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who provided care and support in his final days.

Lawrence will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving Papaw, a faithful servant, and a friend to all. His legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at 6:00PM with a rosary following at 7:00PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main Street). Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church with burial following at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Please check back for extended obituary.