Lawrence Friesen

Lawrence I. Friesen, 64, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Larry's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Larry was born January 8, 1947 in Benton Harbor to Rudy & Helen (Reamer) Friesen. He graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1965. Larry served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. On March 28, 1970, he married the former Leanna M. Burandt in St. Joseph. Larry was employed at Ned Gates Chevrolet & Trophy Motors both in Benton Harbor, Sink Datsun in Berrien Springs, and the Village of Stevensville. He retired in 2010 after 31 years in the maintenance department of Lakeshore Public Schools. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed refinishing oak furniture and collecting classic cars. He is survived by his wife Leanna; his mother Helen Friesen of St. Joseph; his brother Kenneth (Ann) Friesen of Mechanicsville, VA; several nieces & nephews; and his brother-in-law Craig (Donna) Burandt of St. Joseph.