Lawrence H. DeWaele

Lawrence H. DeWaele, 84 of Gaylord, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Born in Roscommon on September 6, 1931, he was the son of Howard and Helen (Manniex) DeWaele.

The family later moved to metro Detroit area where Larry graduated from Wilbur Wright High School. He had already begun working for Ford Motor Company when he was called to service in the U.S. Air Force. Larry served from 1951-1954. He was one of the “atomic veterans” having been present and participated in atomic bomb testing. After his military service, Larry returned to the Ford Motor Company where he worked for 50 years, primarily in the River Rouge Glass Plant. He retired in 2000. In 2004 after his wife Joan retired, they moved to Gaylord.

Larry was an avid Detroit Tiger fan. He enjoyed bowling most of his life and was active in several leagues in Gaylord.

He is survived by Joan, his wife of 42 years; his children, Christine Ritchie of Gaylord, Theresa Southard of Gaylord, Matthew (Judy) Peak of Canton, Joseph Peak of Gaylord, Lizabeth Peak of Gaylord, Beatrice (Laurence) Long of Gaylord and Emily (Perry) Thayer of Wayne; 17 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; and his sister, Joan Parker of Bloomfield Hills. He was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick DeWaele.

Larry’s family will remember him at a memorial gathering beginning at 3:00 PM Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Gaylord Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, 515 S. Wisconsin St where military honors will be provided by VFW Post #1518.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to VFW Post #1518 or to the Gaylord High School Bowling Team. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at gaylordfuneralhome.com