Lawrence M. Bodalski

Lawrence "Larry" Bodalski 83 of Clinton Township, Michigan was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was born September 2, 1941 to Joseph A. Bodalski and Helen T. Bodalski (nee Cichecki) in Detroit, Michigan and he left this world surrounded by family and friends on February 12, 2025 after battling several health issues.
Larry is survived by his loving son, Johnathan and his adoring grandson Xander and by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Barbara and her husband Al Clark and Patricia and her husband Ken Luch and by his wife of 56 years, Mary.
Larry grew up on Almont Street in Detroit surrounded by family and a group of friends that he would keep for life known as the Almont gang. Larry learned hard work at a young age as the family spent evenings re-bristling brushes for the Detroit Brush Company. He graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in 1959 and worked for General Motors for 40 years from 1961 and retiring in 2001 as a Senior Designer Draftsman. He served in the Army National Guard as a Sergeant from 1963-1969 and was deployed during the 1967 Detroit riot. He married his wife Mary in 1967 and welcomed his son in 1981.
Larry grew up with a love for the outdoors that started visiting his Aunt Clara's cottage on Duck Lake. He was an avid boater that loved fishing and camping and woodworking projects. He was always working on projects around the house or "putzing around the house" as his wife used to call it. He enjoyed playing cards, golf and bowling as well as spending time with his family and friends, especially if he was spending time helping others out. He loved old Laurel and Hardy comedy movies and would carry a videotape around in his car just in case anyone ever wanted to watch one. He was a lifelong animal lover and never turned his back on an animal in need indoors or out.
He was a devoted father and grandfather and always shared his love of the outdoors and his passion for helping others with his family. As a father he always went out of his way to be there for his son, and always exemplified how a Man should live and act. As a doting Papa to his only grandson, he didn't know the word "no" and left many fond memories and life lessons for Xander.
Larry was a humble man that was always available to help others in times of need. Although quiet, his selfless actions spoke far louder than his words and he was always ready to help when called upon. He always lived by the golden rule and went out of his way for others, never expecting anything in return but always appreciating every thank you he got.
Visitation will be Friday, March 14 from 2-8 pm at Wasik Funeral Home at 49150 Schoenherr Rd in Shelby Township. The funeral will be on Saturday, March 15 at St. Lawrence Church at 44633 Utica Rd in Utica with in-state from 9:30 am and funeral at 10 am followed by a procession to Resurrection Cemetery for a short graveside service immediately followed by a luncheon.
In Lieu of flowers his family asks that you make a donation to Trinity Lutheran outreach ministries at 45160 Van Dyke in Utica, Meals on Wheels or your local no kill animal shelter or rescue.