There were many stages to Larry’s life. He was a loving son to Fred and Ann Hartwig and brother to Fred and Dave Hartwig, all who preceded him in death. He was a devoted member of the US Naval Air, serving two tours in Vietnam on the USS Constellation from 1968-1970. He was a man of many talents in his career choices, finally retiring from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in 2007. Personally, he was a loving father to his two daughters Jennifer (Dave) Sears and Shannon (Matt) Lentz. His legacy will live on through them. They inherited the best parts of Larry, and some of the quirks. He was the best husband anyone could ask for to his wife, Ruth. When they married, he instantly doubled his family with his two stepchildren, Robin (Ramon) Howe and Steven (Jessica) Weathers, whom he loved as his own. They all loved him dearly and admired the strength and determination he showed in his cancer fight. And he was the proudest Papa you could ever ask for. His fight to live allowed him the privilege to see and love all 12 of his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jeremiah, Elijah, William, Avery, Austin, Dylan, Emma, Savannah, Olivia, Paige and Jack. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Madelynn..
Larry will be missed dearly by all of his family. He truly was one of a kind. To know Larry was to love Larry. Words are hardly enough to describe the depth of his soul and heart. He leaves so many friends behind, some from his high school days. He was a gift to all of us, and we love and miss him very much. He was one of a kind, a man always loving, caring and thinking of his beloved family. He fought hard for 13 years to stay with us, to guide us and to love us.
A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Road, East Lansing, Michigan, with cookies and beverages to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Larry’s name to the Disabled American Veterans or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Hartwig family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6