Obituary for Larry Lee VanderBeek VANDERBEEK, LARRY L. Of Portage Larry Lee VanderBeek, age 75, passed away suddenly June 7, 2018. Larry was born November 15, 1942 in Kalamazoo, the son of Nicholas and Mary (Hiscock) VanderBeek. He was a lifelong area resident and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University.
During the Vietnam War he served in the U.S. Army from 1965-68. Larry has owned Stillwater’s Wine & Spirits since 2002 and thoroughly enjoyed the day to day operations of the business, especially chatting with all the customers. Larry was a people person and never met a stranger.
He was a joy to be around and loved to laugh. He was very good at falling asleep sitting up while watching TV or in the middle of a conversation. He was a generous man and loved spoiling his kids and grandkids with sugary treats (probably so he could sneak some).
He made great friends throughout his life and though they may have lost touch he always remembered everyone with fondness. Larry always had an interesting fashion sense ranging from plaid suits in the 70s to his trademark Crocks of recent years (we’re pretty sure he never wore another shoe once he tried the crocks). The most important part of Larry’s life was his family.
On April 10, 1971 he was united in marriage to Patti (Pryor) VanderBeek, who survives. Also surviving are their two daughters and son-in-law’s Amalia (Jason) Julien and Kristina (Joe) Famolaro; ten grandchildren who adored their “Opa”: Sara, Bella, Mia, Lila, Anthony, Sean, Maxwell, Sophia, Eden and Eliana; mother Mary VanderBeek; brother Roger (Susie) VanderBeek; sister-in-law MaryJane (David) Hames and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00PM on Monday, June 11th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, where a service to celebrate Larry’s life will begin at 3:00PM Monday with Father Larry Farrell officiating.
A private family burial will take place with full military honors in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials in Larry’s memory be directed to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
Please visit Larry’s personalized guest book at www. langeland.com **MEMORIALS** Kalamazoo Gospel Mission 526 N. Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-345-2974 www. kzoogospel.org To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Larry Lee VanderBeek please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 JUN 11. 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Larry’s Visitation begins. 2018 JUN 11.
03:00 PM – 04:00 PM Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49009 Order Flowers for the Service Guaranteed delivery before Larry’s Service begins. Cemetery Details Ft. Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Rd.
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