Larry Eugene Potter

Larry was born June 21, 1943 to Kenneth and Helen Potter of Shelbyville, Michigan. He was the older brother of Gloria Chapman who preceded him in death.

As a lifelong resident of Michigan, Larry learned about, and embraced, the outdoor life at a very young age. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, which included many annual trips to Rice Lake in Canada to bluegill fish with his lifelong friends. He also enjoyed golfing, mushroom hunting, and attending his kids' and grandkids' activities. Larry was a very athletic young man, playing both football and baseball, for the Wayland Wildcat teams.

After graduation, Larry was anticipating going off to college, however, there was a very special someone back home, so he rescinded that decision and became a “TEAM” with, and wed the love of his life, Stevie (Stephanie) Andringa on October 20, 1963. Shortly after their union, they welcomed three amazing children making their home complete.

Together, Larry and Stevie were fortunate to travel and some of their great adventures included traveling the national parks, two trips to Hawaii, many cruises, and several other destinations in the United States and abroad. As a family, we still laugh about the ever famous experiences with the camping life.

Larry was a devoted family man and was an amazing provider for his family putting in long hours at various employers. Most of his working career was at Steelcase, which he retired from after 35 years of hard work and dedication.

At the onset of Larry’s health issues, it was recommended that he take up some type of physical activity, so Larry became an avid walker and bicyclist. He was always very dedicated to doing “what it took” to be healthy, and he never deviated from that. Later in life, as the physical activity became more difficult, Larry would be seen in his red Chevy truck where he would “make his rounds” on the streets of Wayland for his enjoyment and love of this small community.

Larry was a friend to many and would always be the first one to help any of us who were in need of “rescuing” during a crisis. He would always make the situation less stressful with his laid back disposition, soft smile, and “here’s how we fix it” attitude.

Larry will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on in his wife and soulmate of 61 plus years, Stevie. His children Lori Saxton, Tim (Bethany) Potter, Lisa (Matt) Edney; grandchildren Randy and Alyssa Bradley, Hanna (Zach) Kasper, Levi (Nina) Potter, Lexie and Isaiah Edney; great-grandchildren Cameron and Carter Thomas, Brody and Zoey Kasper, Lincoln and Liam Potter.

A celebration of life has been planned for Saturday, March 23rd from 1-4PM at United Church of Wayland. All are welcome to attend to celebrate a life well lived. In remembrance of Larry and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookwayland.com in Larry’s online guest book.