Lawrence "Larry" Parent

Lawrence J. "Larry" Parent, 82, of Kiel, died Thursday morning March 5, 2026, at The Waterford at Plymouth, where he had been a resident for the past 3 years. Larry was born on December 29, 1943, in Bessemer Township, Michigan, son of the late Willard Parent and Patricia (Mladenoff/Parent) Olson. Larry attended school in Wakefield, Michigan, graduating high school in 1961; in later years, he also attended Gogebic Community College with an emphasis on business and accounting classes.

Larry was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force serving his country from 1961-1967. He shared many interesting and humorous stories of his time in Labrador, Newfoundland, Canada, serving as an airplane refueling technician; it was also there that his lifelong disdain for pineapple was born.

On February 3, 1962, he married Carole Larivee, his high school crush, in Racine. Together they enjoyed a variety of old-time rock n' roll and country music, socializing, as well as living in South Dakota, California, and Georgia. Larry worked for many years at Bremer Mfg. in St. Anna, as a production supervisor; he later worked for Tecumseh Products, in New Holstein and Grafton, until his retirement. He was smart and good with people; he enjoyed going to work and was proud of the roles he played in each organization.

Carole passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2005; her loss was a very challenging time for him. In time, he decided to leave Kiel to reset. During this time, he met his last companion, Barb Bonn, and they shared many good times until the onset of Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia prompted his return to the Kiel area and his daughters/family. Larry was a longtime Packer fan, a true convert after growing up in Michigan as Detroit Lions fan. In his free time, he also enjoyed woodworking, taking drives (no one was ever allowed to drive as long as he was able), playing golf, and bowling. Larry was a lover of music, especially 50's and 60's country and rock n' roll; in fact, his love of music and chocolate are the lasting pleasures that saw him through the darkest parts of living with his memory-stealing disease.

The only thing more important than music and chocolate to Larry was being able to tell funny stories (yes, with plenty of colorful language) and to do silly dances while singing to make people laugh and feel happy; especially his grandkids, the lights of his life. Larry/Dad/Grampa will be remembered as an all-around good guy who did a lot to make others feel happy-and there's no greater legacy than that.

Survivors include his daughters: Tammie (John) Stahl, Dawn (Tom) Kornetzke; grandchildren: Stephanie (Jon) Waack, Anthony Stahl (Fiancé, Libby Freis), Ryan (Chelsey) Kornetzke, Patrick Kornetzke (Special Friend, Ipek Ozcas); great grandchildren: Hunter and Gracyn Waack; Ephram and Cohen Kornetzke. Further survived by his sisters: Deb (Tom) Zechovich, Patricia (Bill) Bockenkamp, Mary Lee Parent; brother: Jeff (JoAnn) Parent; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; Keith (Fay) Larivee, Colleen Larivee, Brenda Larivee, Janice Parent along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carole; sister, Ann Marie "Sis" Stevens, and brother, Louis (Lou) Parent.

According to his wishes, a private family memorial gathering will take place later this year.

Larry's family would like to thank Ryan Rabe with Care Patrol for his guidance in finding a new home in the area. They would also like to thank the staff at The Waterford for the care and friendship given to Larry, as well as the team from Heartland Hospice for keeping him comfortable in his last days.