Larry Lee Simonsen, a lifelong resident of Hessel, Michigan died, Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the age of 80. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 30, 1942, in, Holland, Michigan.
Larry grew up in Holland, Michigan and was one of six children to Simon and Fanny (Sweringa) Simonsen. Larry was a devoted family man being married to Robbie for fifty-eight years. He had two daughters, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He took great joy in the outdoors with his hunting dogs. He was an avid hunter and fisherman as well as a trapper in his earlier years.
Larry graduated from Holland Michigan in 1960. He later moved to Cedarville, Michigan after he graduated with his parents where he worked for Red Easterbrook. He became a certified Master Marine Mechanic for OMC and worked at Mertaugh Boat Works for twenty years and fifteen years at Cedarville Marine. During his time at the Mertaughs, Larry was known as music man because he always had country music playing while he worked. He was extremely proud of his achievements as a OMC mechanic and was always willing to help others that wanted to learn the trade. To this day, people remember the little things he did for them at Mertaughs when they needed something “out of the ordinary” and Larry knew how to fix it.
Larry was an avid street rodder traveling with a group of fellow street rodders to various events. The group of street rodders (4 couples) have been riding together for over 10 years.
Larry is survived by his wife Robbie of Hessel; daughters, Rebecca (Ray) of Petoskey, and Camille (Ross) of Cedarville; grandchildren, Ross John of Cedarville, Matt and Samantha of Cedarville, Rachelle of Cedarville, and Zachary of Allendale; great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Sadie Rose, Natalie, and Israel. Larry is also survived by his sister Lori DeJonge of Holland, Sheryl Atkinsonof Manistee, Jean Vandenbrink of St. Ignace; brother-in-law, Harley Robinson of Harrisville; and many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Coveyou; parents, Simon and Fanny Simonsen; brother, Wayne Simonsen; and sister, Vickie Robinson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to: Dr Teklinski and Hospice Home Health.
Galer Funeral Home of Pickford, Michigan, is service the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.
