Larry Albert Reifschneider

Larry Albert Reifschneider, 77, a life-long resident of Baroda and member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Buchanan Meadows after a courageous battle with cancer and Alzheimer's.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9650 Church St., Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Burial will be in Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. Memorial contributions may be given to Baroda Fire Department, 9081 1st St., Baroda, MI 49101, or Buchanan Meadows, 809 Carrol St., Buchanan, MI 49107. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Larry was born on Aug. 3, 1947, in Benton Harbor, the son of the late Albert and Lorraine (Ott) Reifschneider. On May 15, 1971, he married Joanne Myers. After farming the land for 20 years, Larry and Joanne built their dream home on the property. Larry referred to this moment as "the best thing I ever did." Together they raised two daughters, Emelee and Suze. Larry was so proud of his long career in the tool and die industry, working until he was 70. He worked at Triple C, Colonial Die, and for his brother at Accu Die.

As a volunteer paramedic and firefighter, and later fire chief in Baroda, Larry touched countless lives helping people in their worst moments. After hanging up his own turnout gear, Larry served on the Baroda Fire Board, ensuring "his guys" had the best equipment available to them. He had a total of 49 years of service to the community he loved.

An avid hunter, fisherman and lover of the outdoors, Larry enjoyed hunting with his brother, Dan, his best friend, Bill Knuth, and numerous friends. Having no sons of his own, Larry finally got his "boys" in the form of two grandsons, born three months apart. His "favorite" granddaughter and two more grandsons made him One Proud Papa.

Outside of family life, Larry enjoyed car shows and loved antique vehicles. He was especially proud of his 1952 Ford pickup that he purchased as a teenager and restored as an adult. Only his grandkids were ever allowed to step on the running boards – no one else.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Joanne; two daughters: Emelee (Brian) Rajzer and Suze (Derrick) Miller; four grandchildren: Brandon and Logan Rajzer, Henry and Adeline Miller; a brother, Daniel (Cathy) Reifschneider; and a faithful companion, a black lab named Shad.

Larry was preceded in death by a grandson, Gabriel Rajzer; and a sister, Sharon Martin.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, Bridgman.

In the end, as Alzheimer's took effect, Larry's love for his family and friends never wavered. Every time he said goodbye to his grandkids, it was always with the phrase: "If you can't be good, be careful." Larry's legacy will truly live on in all who knew him and loved him. The family would like to thank Buchanan Meadows for the patience, kindness and compassion Larry received while in their care.