Lawrence “Larry” Vanlerberghe, age 81, of 414 South 7th Street; Escanaba, died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning of an apparent heart attack in Pratt, Kansas en route to their winter home in Mesa, Arizona.
Larry was born April 20th, 1924 in Escanaba, the son of James and Melvina (Hart) Vanlerberghe, and was a lifelong Escanaba resident. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during World War II from June of 1942 to February of 1946 which include 2 years of service in the South Pacific Theater. Larry later was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1950 to 1954 in the Criminal Investigative Division.
Larry married the former Geraldine M. “Gerry” Waeghe on June 22nd, 1946 at St. Joseph Church in Escanaba. In addition to their nearly 60 years of marriage, “Larry and Gerri”, as they were affectionately acknowledged by family and friends, were friends and companions to one another since the second grade of elementary school.
Larry was employed for Mead Paper Corporation for 40 years, retiring in 1986 as a stock prep operator.
Larry Vanlerberghe was an active member of St. Joseph Church of Escanaba and was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354. Having greatly enjoyed square and round dancing, Larry and Gerri were also members of the National Campers Square Dance Association. Woodworking, gardening, camping, and traveling were special pleasures he enjoyed. Furthermore, Larry and Gerry have spent the last 16 winters in Mesa, Arizona.
Larry was known as a hard working individual and being very meticulous about any of his endeavors. However, being a “family man” was his proudest achievement.
In addition to his wife, “Gerry”, Larry Vanlerberghe’s survivors include:
1 Son- Gary (Sara) Vanlerberghe of Clayton, Georgia
5 Daughters- Paulette (Jeffrey) Clee of Palm City, Florida
Claudette (Dennis)Allingham of Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Genette (Joe) Dehlin of Gladstone
Annette Vanlerberghe of Escanaba
Joanette Vanlerberghe of Battle Creek, Michigan
1 Brother- James (Deniese) Vanlerberghe of Marrietta, California
1 Sister- Helen Mello of Sacramento, California
10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers; Ronald, Clarence and Joseph Vanlerberghe, and by 2 sisters; Donna Gehr and Joan Baldwin.
The family of Lawrence “Larry” Vanlerberghe will receive friends on Sunday at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers being recited at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Larry’s life will follow on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the St. Joseph Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery; Escanaba.
