Tehachapi News

Lawrence "Larry" Mauterer

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Larry was born in Fleming, Kan. and moved to Los Angeles after graduating from high school to make his fortune. He made that fortune when he married the love of his life, Norma. Larry retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after working 23 years as a switchman. He went into his own business manufacturing doorframes for new homes and finished his career with a second retirement from the El Rancho Unified School District as a plumber. He was then 62 and decided it was time to take his beloved wife and treasured horses to the beckoning hills of Tehachapi.

Once his home was built in Bear Valley Springs, he began making new friends wherever he went. He joined the Bear Valley Men's Service Club, the Bear Valley Horseman's Association, Kiwanis, the Tehachapi Equestrian Trails, Inc. (ETI) and worshiped at St. Jude's in the Mountains. He loved riding around in his truck to meet with friends and family second only to riding his horses to do the very same thing!

We who are his family and friends will miss his sense of humor, support and love. His family includes his wife Norma; daughters Susan LaFontise, Nancy Whittier; grandchildren Carrie Thompson and husband Kevin, Adam Whittier and wife Alejandra, Jared Whittier, Danielle DeClue and husband Matt, Derrick LaFontise; great-granddaughters Kendra and Kylie LaFontise; nieces Carol Ebert and husband Bob, Judy Pope and husband Howard.

Special prayers and remembrances were offered for him at the early Sunday service at St. Jude's on Nov. 29. We who love him celebrate that Larry is now riding the trails in God's world, strong and joyful in the saddle once again.