Lawrence Wayne Coulter

Rev. Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Coulter, 77, of Broken Bow, died on November 21, 2018, at Brookestone View in Broken Bow, NE.

Fr. Larry was born April 20, 1941, at Broken Bow, Nebraska.  He was the son of Gilbert and Ardella (Kennedy), Coulter. He attended grade school at Turner Valley School, west of Broken Bow.  He entered Mt. St. Francis Seminary High School in Indiana, graduating in 1959 after which, he entered the novitiate of the Conventual Franciscan order.  He continued his seminary training at Our Lady of Consolation Seminary College, Carey, Ohio, affiliated with Dayton University, from which he received a B.A. Degree in 1964.  After two years of theology in Rome, Italy, he returned to the states and continued his education at Assumption Seminary College in Chaska, MN, receiving his M.A. in 1967.  After leaving the seminary he lived in Guam for two years working as an accountant for Peat, Marvick, Mitchell Accounting Firm and attended night classes at the University of Guam.  He transferred to Minneapolis, MN, continuing to work for Peat, Marvick, Mitchell for six more months.  He returned to Broken Bow and helped on the family farm from 1970 to 1976.  He then attended UNL and in 1977 he was employed by Romans, Wiemer & Schultz at York, NE, as an accountant, receiving his CPA degree in 1979.  In August of 1981, he returned to the seminary entering St. Meinrad School of Theology and received his Master of Divinity in 1986.  Fr. Larry was ordained a diocesan priest on June 6, 1986, at the Cathedral in Grand, Island, NE.  He served parishes in Gering (1986-1988), Anselmo and Merna (1988-1997), Farwell, Ashton, Elba, Paplin (1997-2002), Greeley and Scotia (2002-2004), and St. Libory (2004-2009).  He retired in 2009 to the family house in Broken Bow.  In 2003 he was appointed as secretary-treasurer of the Grand Island Diocesan Priest Pension Fund and Welfare Board, Inc. and continued this position until 2017.

He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #2388.  He made frequent retreats at the Benedictine Retreat Center in Ferdinand, IN.  He enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and rough carpentry.  He was beloved by all his parishioners and enjoyed helping in the kitchen at parish events.  A favorite retirement activity was serving ice cream weekly at a retirement home in Broken Bow.

In April 2017 he entered Brookestone View, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Broken Bow, where he received loving and compassionate care until his death.

Fr. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Charles, brother Claris, and niece Leanna Coulter.  Survivors are his sister, Shirley (Ed) Terlaje of Hagatna, Guam; brothers Bill (Reva) of North Platte and Bob (Mary) of Lincoln, nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Services will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow.  A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 25, 2018, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and Sunday evening 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a Vigil Services to follow at 7:00 PM at the church.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery west of Broken Bow.  Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana, Priests Pension Fund, or St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Broken Bow, NE.