Laurence Wayne Giller

Laurence Wayne "Larry" Giller

August 6, 1931 – August 9, 2025

Laurence Wayne "Larry" Giller, 94, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan surrounded by loved ones.

Born during the Great Depression in Gresham, Michigan, Larry overcame early challenges including childhood polio, which shaped his fiercely independent spirit.

A veteran of the Korean War, Larry served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. After earning a degree from Davenport College of Business, he worked for many years as an Auditor for the State of Michigan and started his own tax preparation business. In retirement, he became a savvy investor, taking immense pride in managing his portfolio.

Larry was married twice – first to Betty Giller, mother of his children, and later to Audrey, with whom he enjoyed many joyful years. Together they loved traveling the country in their RV, especially their trip to Alaska. After Audrey's passing in 2005, Sue Giller, widow of his late brother Brentford and longtime friend, became a cherished and uplifting presence in his life, providing invaluable support in his later years.

Larry enjoyed working on cars and home repairs, tinkering with all things mechanical, following local politics, playing Dominos and Yahtzee, and especially cooking – which became one of his favorite ways to connect with others.

Larry loved his family and was proud of all their accomplishments. He enjoyed a good bargain, a solid cup of coffee, and maintaining his independence.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lola Giller; younger siblings Charles Giller, Brentford Giller, Aerial Fearn, and DeAnna Westlund; his wife Audrey; and children Laurie Giller, who passed in 2023, and infant daughter Debra.

Larry is survived by his children Linda (Jim) Ballard, Douglas (Debbie) Giller, and Lisa (Dean) Balzer; grandchildren Jennifer LaPaugh, Joshua (Amanda) Giller, Johnathan Giller, Sunshine Balzer, Jeremiah (Micaela) Balzer, Lorinda Starr, Amanda Ballard, and Jason Ballard; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Holt, 2021 N Aurelius Road, Holt, Michigan, followed by a luncheon at the church. Interment of Larry's cremains will follow the luncheon at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry's memory to Boys Town, a charity Larry fondly supported, online at http://boystown.org/ or by mail to PO Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010. The family was served by the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel.