Larry E Van Valkenburg

ADRIAN – Larry E. Van Valkenburg, age 78, of Adrian, passed away doing what he loved – racing motorcycles in Harpster, Ohio, on Sunday, September 7, 2025. He was born in Adrian on July 23, 1947, to the late Roger and Betty (Benedict) Van Valkenburg. After graduation from Fayette High School, Larry entered the United States Marine Corp., serving his country from 1965-1969 as an air traffic controller, including service in Vietnam. After his discharge he worked as a controller at several airports, including Detroit Metro, Jackson, and Toledo. Following the mass layoff of controllers in '81, he began working at Adrian College and worked full time while attending classes and earning his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, while also working his way up to Food Service Director. He worked at Adrian College until 1999, when air traffic controllers that had been laid off were rehired. He worked again as a controller at Willow Run Airport until his retirement in 2011.

In his free time, Larry was an avid outdoorsman – he loved to hunt, fish, and garden. He was a good mechanic and handyman, and was always willing to hop in his truck to help out a friend or family member at a moment's notice. One of his greatest joys in life was coaching pole vault for Madison High School, which he did for 25 years. He helped countless athletes to be successful, including many league, county, regional, and even state champions and he always rooted for and supported each athlete as if they were his own kids. He was a member of the Morenci American Legion Post 368 and the Lenawee County 40 & 8.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 41 years, Cristie; sons, Andy (Kerri) Van Valkenburg, Trevor (Kathryn) Van Valkenburg, and Richard Shepherd; daughter, Christy (Jerry) Minzey; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Hayden, Matthew, Jerry, Miranda, Noah, and Dominic; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Bo, Everly, and Ava; brother, Roy Crooks; and sister, Vickie Zolman.

Graveside services for Larry will be private. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.marryfh.com. Memorial donations in Larry's memory may be given to Hospice of Lenawee or Madison Schools Athletic Boosters. The Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian is assisting the family with arrangements.