Larry D. Habel

December 31st, 1947 - March 18th, 2020

Larry 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Larry here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Years ago, I worked with Larry as a driver helper during peak. The first day I was with him, about 20 minutes in, I came back to the package car after delivering a package, and he was sitting there chuckling. When I asked him what was so funny, he just said, "Man, it's nice to have somebody ouit here who knows what they're doing!" Apparently he'd had a couple of outside hires working with him, and they didn't quite "get it". I also remember that he had the tape gun in his vehicle "secured". Tape guns are important to have around, but they tend to magically "disappear". Not Larry! He put a U-bolt through the shelf of the truck and a bolt thru the handle of the tape gun, then connected 'em with about 3 feet of tow chain. That thing wasn't going ANYWHERE! I have fond memories of him and that laugh of his that I'll always remember.

Joel Trapp

March 23rd, 2020 at 11:52pm

I feel almost helpless in finding words to describe how I felt about Larry Always so positive and always that smile. For Craig and Lisa I will never forget how he Beamed after watching you play at a Basketball game. Remember telling him often, Larry they "give it their all, all of the time", That smile with pride of you 2 Janice my Prayers and thoughts will be with you. Can not imagine the pain the grandchildren must be feeling. One of the greatest things I believe I can share is in my Heart there is no doubt you all have the HOPE OF HEAVEN to see Larry again!

Wyman Miller

March 23rd, 2020 at 9:34pm

Larry loved family reunions and get-togethers! He always had a big smile on his face. He would help anybody that he could, particularly when it came to cars and trucks. What a job he did on his Chevy pick-up truck. He has an amazing family that he truly loved. Larry was big on talking about family history and who did what during their daily lives. He was absolutely one of our all-time favorite people. Mike and Sharon Kuntz

Mike and Sharon Kuntz

March 22nd, 2020 at 8:13pm

Janice, By a simple and sad twist of fate, I discovered today that Larry passed away. I say simple because on rare occasions, I check out the obituaries from home. Today happened to be one of those rare occasions. Few words can even begin to sympathize with you or comfort you; and what lies ahead is pain and sadness, I'm sure. Please know, Janice, that my heart breaks for you and your family. I'll never forget when you first met Larry when we were in college. It wasn't long before you two married, and I was honored to stand up for you at your wedding. I was so happy for you as Larry was truly a kind and decent man. Even though we've been out of touch, and distance has been a factor, I still think of you and the good times we had. It sounds like Larry's life was well lived, full of love and full of wonderful memories...all of which will give you strength. My condolences to you, your children, and all who loved him. With blessings, thoughts, and prayers. Roxanne

Roxanne

March 22nd, 2020 at 5:46pm

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Janice, Lisa, Craig and their families: brothers- Randall and Ronald Habel and their families in this time of their loss. Having grown up in the Dayton area and attended Galien H.S., I've known Larry , his parents and brothers for many years. He was someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone and always had a welcoming smile on his face. I will be forever grateful for all the things Larry did for my parents and he will be greatly missed. Peace be with you and your family, Bruce Doughten & Kaleb Doughten-Priuska

Bruce Doughten

March 22nd, 2020 at 4:41pm

Janice Habel and family, brothers- Randall and Ronald Habel and families; Though no words can hurry with what you're going through, please know how much you're being thought about and how deeply you're wished the gentle comfort of sweet memories. Larry was a wonderful neighbor and friend, always giving a helping hand when needed. Thinking of you with sympathy , Your friend and neighbor, Howard & Elsie Doughten

Bruce Doughten

March 22nd, 2020 at 4:28pm

I lived with Lisa during our sophomore & junior year at Grand Valley. Her Dad was one of the great ones & while I have not seen any of the Habel family in many, many years they still have a piece of my heart. I remember Mr. & Mrs. Habel coming up to visit, sharing care packages, and of course always being there for any type of family event. Her Dad always had a smile & a hug for you. Our family sends you love, prayers & strength to get through the bad moments. ❤️

Tana Tull-Wyant

March 22nd, 2020 at 11:56am

Just today learned of Larry's passing. I met your loved one at a car show, and after that first visit always looked forward to seeing him again. We would exchange our lives, service time and faith.. Would see Larry regularly at various shows then there was a period where I didn't see him. I knew of his cancer and told him, I would pray which I did then and up to today have been faithful in prayer for Larry and so many others and there families. I believe the last time I saw Larry was at Baroda for the Lest we forget car show and events that are honoring to those that served. Larry had a grand daughter there with him, he was as proud of her as his 46. I just wanted you to know I thank GOD that Larry and my life had crossed. Deepest condolences to you Mrs Habel and family. Bruce Gooding

Bruce Gooding

March 22nd, 2020 at 11:44am

Dear Janice and the entire Larry Habel family, I am very sorry for your loss and share your grief. So here is my Salute to Larry-- We grew up on Dayton Lake, had fun riding our bikes, playing sand lot baseball behind the old Dayton School House that sat on the very site of your home, and junior and senior high school athletics at Galien. We rode those 1950's red, white and blue Galien School buses that picked us up in front of the Dayton Lake Grocery and your parent's home on Depot St. We had too much fun playing football, talking cars and hot rod songs...I mean REAL car songs like those famous Beach Boys, Rip Cords and Jan & Dean songs "409", "Hey, Little Cobra", "Little Deuce Coupe", "Drag City" and "Little Old Lady from Pasadena" and revved up your stereo 'til it rattled the windows. You and Jack R. dropped a short block 327 cu.in. V-8 into his '57 Chevy and WOW did it go! You proudly uncovered your cherished '46 Chevy truck when I stopped by to see you after you retired. Thank you for your Air Force service and volunteer service with the BTFD. Randy and Ronnie had a "Great" big brother. Yes, Larry, we had a good time growing up in Dayton, MI...got Galien, not Buchanan, but DAYTON, where you are the Mayor Eternal. Rest in Peace, my friend. Bill Rotzien, Estero, FL 33928, '65 GHS

Bill Rotzien

March 22nd, 2020 at 11:24am

We want to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Larry will be missed at the Friday UPS breakfasts. We enjoyed great conversations about family, sports and especially grandkids activities. Larry also had a special gift of joke telling that left us all rolling in the aisles. We hope your wonderful memories of him will bring you comfort and peace. Your in our thoughts and prayers, George and Joanne Gardiner

George and Joanne Gardiner

March 21st, 2020 at 4:46pm

Dear Friends, We are sadden to hear of Larry's passing. It was through our grandsons playing on the same baseball and basketball teams that we first became acquainted. We always looked forward to each season and renewing our friendship and cheering on our grandsons. Larry was always a devoted and positive person, even though his health was not good, he never complained. Janice, Craig, Becki, Bella and Drew are thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Ealy and Sharon Tomlinson

Ealy & Sharon Tomlinson

March 20th, 2020 at 2:42pm

Lisa, Janice, and Craig, I am so sorry for the loss of such a great father, grandfather and just all around good guy. I was lucky to meet Larry and Janice through Lisa and always enjoyed an encounter with him. He was the UPS guy for my Dad’s store in Three Oaks where he was affectionately known as the UBS guy?. My prayers are for fond memories to help you through the grief and comfort for the days ahead. Jennifer O’Toole

Jennifer O’Toole

March 20th, 2020 at 2:32pm

Larry was such an incredible man. His love for his family was unremarkable. Janice, Lisa and Craig are so lucky to have been blessed with such an amazing man. I knew as soon as we met Larry, that he was a special person. He was kind and loving toward everyone. He was an angel here on this earth. Always being loving and kind to others as well as giving the best hugs anyone could ask for. He was a true gem and will breathy be missed by SO MANY! My heart is breaking for Janice, Lisa, Craig and the rest of the family. Her certainly was the BEST Papa any of them could ask for and I pray that his legacy will go on forever. Hugs to all of you. ?