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Laird Kieft Obituary
Laird Edward "Larry" Kieft of Harrietta passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025 at his home. He was 82. Larry was born on November 23, 1942 in Grand Haven, Michigan to Edward G. & Harriet C. (Hoebeke) Kieft.
In 1961 he graduated from Grand Haven High School and went on to get his Associate's Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College. Larry started his career with the Michigan State Police in 1965 and retired in 1996. He was a member of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association for many years. In 2002 Larry moved to Harrietta. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and anything outdoors as well as spending time with his family. Larry attended the Harrietta United Methodist Church and was active in the Harrietta community.
In September of 2017, he married the former Joanna Purdy and she survives him along with his children, Michele (Brant) Phillips of Franktown, Colorado and Randy (Julie) Kieft of Byron Center, Michigan; step-children: Dedee (Ken) Reece of Traverse City, Michigan, Steven Purdy of Detroit, Michigan, and Scott (Bethany) Purdy of Birmingham, Michigan; 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and his brother, Roger (Jessie) Kieft of Greenwood Village, Colorado. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by an infant brother, Norman Douglas Kieft.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Harrietta United Methodist Church with Pastor Juile Lawhead officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until services at noon. Burial will be at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven, Michigan.
An online guestbook is available at www.peterson fh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laird Kieft
5 Entries
Mike Secory
October 15, 2025
I first met and got to know and become good friends in high school.
At Grand Haven High School we were on the baseball team for my last two years. Larry was our first baseman. He was a very good athlete in all three major sports: football, basketball and of course baseball!
Over the years, we stayed friends and saw each other from time to time at different events.
Larry was BEST of friends with Doug VanderWall. Larry and I both spoke at Doug´s memorial service.
We all will miss Larry´s very friendly personality and great sense of humor!
Rest in peace good friend!
Mike and Peg Secory
October 10, 2025
Our sympathies and prayers for loved ones of Larry. We have many treasured memories of baseball and reunion times. Rest in peace, Friend.
The Secorys
John Sluka
October 10, 2025
Larry was a teammate and lifelong friend. He will be greatly missed.
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