Larry Richard Gardner

Larry was born in 1940 in Lansing, MI to Raymond and Rose (Cuthbert) Gardner. Larry grew up as an only child, but his family dynamics changed exponentially when he married BJ (Polack) Gardner in 1977. They brought together and built a family of seven children: Terry Gardner, Loree (Lanny) Sisson, Jennifer (James) Brewer, Jerrud (Allyson) Parker, Murphy (Sarah) Gardner, Martin (Kristina) Gardner, and Patrick (Rachel) Gardner. As their children grew, they also had the pleasure of adding 12 grandchildren to family gatherings.

These large family gatherings were some of Larry's favorite times. You could always find him cheering on the Spartans, sporting a Michigan State sweatshirt and his famous red socks. Larry loved to fill his birdfeeders and complain about the squirrels eating the birdseed. He was always concocting a plan to keep those squirrels away. Larry loved his long-time cat Babs, his fur-grandbabies Izzy, Emma and Odie, drinking iced-tea, eating peanut butter cups, and being around his family. In his early years, Larry enjoyed playing the saxophone, fishing, bowling and using his pilot's license for recreational flights. Later in life, Larry enjoyed video games, puzzles and building Lego buildings. As his grandchildren grew older, he also began to love his nightly video-gaming with them.

Larry received his associate’s degree from Ferris State University and worked in printing sales for 50 years. His children's wedding invitations and programs, church programs, and many many MIchigan State University publications all bear the mark of Larry's expertise in his field.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Rose, and survived by his wife, seven children and twelve grandchildren - who will all miss him greatly.

A private service will be held for the family.