Larry Gregerson - Lake 4
November 27, 1950 - July 15, 2016
When reflecting on the life
of Larry Gregersen, it is easy to see that he treasured his family. He was
the sort of person who would drop whatever he was doing to help someone
else, and his fun-loving personality made him so much fun to be around. A
devoted father, Larry was an active part of his children’s lives, and things
only got better when he became a grandfather later in life. He was a no
frills sort of guy who could find the joy in even the simplest of things.
Although he will be deeply missed, Larry leaves behind a priceless
collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.
The 1950s were an exciting
time in American history. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with
his rock ’n roll music, and people just couldn’t get enough. Televisions
were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, and with the introduction
to shows like Father Knows Best and I Love Lucy the American family was
continually being redefined. It was just as this exciting decade was dawning
that Zelden and Helen (Largent) Gregersen were pleased to announce the birth
of the baby boy they named Larry Z. on November 27, 1950, in Plainwell,
Michigan. He was the youngest of three children to be raised in the family
home as he was joined in the family by his older brother, Ron, who was born
when his father had been previously married, and his older sister, Marlene.
Larry’s father worked on a farm and both his father and his mother also
worked in manufacturing. His parents went on to be married for more than 50
years.
In many ways Larry was a
young boy of his generation. He attended Delton-Kellogg schools, but since
school wasn’t really his favorite thing he made a deal with his mom that if
he found himself a job he could leave school. After working for a while,
Larry moved to Louisiana for a few months before coming back to Michigan. He
took a job with Hydro Aluminum (now called Sapa), and he ended up making
that his career, working there for more than 35 years. Larry was also on the
Orangeville Fire Department for over 40 years.
First and foremost in his
life was always Larry’s family. He was blessed with four children, Sheila,
Larry, Christine, Dolly, and half-daughter Nicole, and he was an important
part of their lives. Larry also adored his fiancée, Sherry Verburg, whom he
met at work. They knew each other for over 12 years, and on their cruise to
the Bahamas he asked her to be his wife. Sherry also has two adult
daughters, Heather and Lindsay. Larry raised his children as a single
father, but it was nice that his parents lived next door. Quite commonly,
his mom made dinner for Larry and his kids since he wasn’t all that great at
cooking. However, he was more than happy to provide all the food for anyone
who was cooking. He loved family gatherings and BBQs, too. Larry was there
for all of his children’s events, and as someone who loved riding horses he
especially loved taking Dolly to her horse shows. Later in life he was
overjoyed to welcome 22 grandchildren into the family, and he was there for
many of their events as he had been for his own children. Larry also liked
watching his grandchildren fish from his dock.
Throughout his life Larry
was a man of many interests. He loved being on Pine Lake and all that went
with it like keeping both his beach and his house clean. Larry enjoyed
working in his yard and also going out in his boat, but he did like
traveling at times, too. He didn’t go all that often, but when he went Larry
enjoyed himself at the casinos. He liked “watching” his westerns, which he
often did with his eyes closed, but everyone knew not to take his remote
away even if he appeared to be sleeping. Larry collected John Wayne movies,
and at one time he collected eagles. When it came to music, he loved country
music and usually listened to B-93.
All who knew Larry Gregersen would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was never one to worry about the challenges he faced, rather, he made the best of things in everything that came his way. Caring, loving, and generous beyond measure, Larry was a blessing to everyone he met. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.
Larry Z. Gregersen, of Orangeville, passed away on July 15, 2016.
Larry is survived by his five children: Sheila (David) Kemp, of Plainwell;
Larry (Tamie) Gregersen, of Shelbyville; Christine (Dan Armentrout)
Gregersen, of Otsego; Dolly (Matt) Elkins, of Plainwell; and Nicole (Albert)
Oisten, of Otsego; 22 grandchildren; and one great grandchild with one more
great grandchild on the way; his fiancée: Sherry Verburg and her children:
Heather (Chris) Wyant, of Parchment and Lindsay (Paul McFarland) Verburg, of
Paw Paw; brother: Ron (Barb) Gregersen, Sr., of Plainwell; sister: Marlene
Gregersen, of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews.
