Larry Patzsch

Larry Patzsch was a fun loving and easy going man dedicated to those entrusted to his care. He loved having a good time, and he lived life to the fullest at every opportunity. Larry found pleasure in many things, but dear to his heart was the unending love he held for his family. A dedicated husband, devoted father and loving grandfather, he will continue to live in the hearts of those he loved as he is lovingly remembered.

The year 1938 overflowed with mixed blessings in America. While the U.S made great economic strides after the hardships of the Great Depression, an unwelcome recession found unemployment once again reaching drastic levels. The struggles of this generation found relief from everyday worries enjoying the sounds of jazz. Superman made his debut in the comic strips, and movie greats filled the big screen. Amidst these changing times in Detroit, Michigan, the birth of Larry D. Patzsch on September 1, 1938 filled his parent’s hearts with joy.

The son of Carroll and Obiedeen Patzsch, Larry was born at home, and was one of two children. He grew up alongside his brother, Bill, and with neighborhood friends, they found their fair share of mischief in the streets of Detroit. Larry’s family made their home in Detroit where his father worked as a truck driver, and his mother was employed as a bus driver. Throughout Larry’s youth sports played a large role in his life. He loved sports of all sorts, especially baseball and football. Having played both of these sports, at one point Larry was even asked to try out for Tigers. As a teen and beyond he loved working on cars, and continued to discover more than his quota of shenanigans.

Larry attended the area schools and at the age of 16, he met a pretty girl who captured his heart. He saw Sonia at the local soda shop where she worked, and quite smitten, it took Larry three attempts before she agreed to go out with him! The couple dated for several years and a year after Larry graduated from high school, they were happily married on March 2, 1957.

With hopes and dreams of a bright future, Larry and his new bride began their new lives together as husband and wife. For a time Larry served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Washington State where he was in the military police. He also served with the search and rescue military team as a scuba diver.

Before long, Larry and Sonia welcomed children into their lives with the births of two fine sons, Larry and Mike. The boys added much to their lives and together they created and shared numerous memories throughout the years. They loved weekend trips to their cabin up north and enjoyed memorable holidays over the years. Their home also included their dog, Buster, and Sky their family cat. As a father Larry was involved in his son’s school and sporting activities. He coached several of their teams and encouraged them both in each of their endeavors. Besides working hard to support his family, Larry was very dedicated in visiting his mother each day for many years, too.

Eventually, Larry and Sonia moved to Livonia. In his free time, Larry loved golfing and bowling, and he was real good at it, too. He also loved getting together with family and friends for competitive games of horseshoes, and great times. When enjoying Larry’s company, it was sure to be a fun-filled time. He always had plenty of jokes, and loved making those around him laugh with his antics and sense of humor. Most of his funniest quotes were R-rated in nature with the exception of “cry baby” and “hot dog!” Throughout his life, Larry remained an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were without question the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, and when it came to college sports, he always rooted for Michigan State. Larry’s grandchildren were the apple of his eye and he was sure to be on the sidelines or in the stands at each of their sporting activities.

Like many of his generation, Larry was fond of John Wayne movies and he also liked Johnny Weissmuller, the original Tarzan. He was known as “dad” to many, while living in Livonia. Larry was such a caring individual that every year in the winter, he would snow blow the entire neighborhood without even being asked to do so. After retiring, Larry and Sonia savored trips to Florida enjoying the sandy beaches and sun at their timeshare. Sadly, after 57 years of marriage, Larry’s beloved Sonia passed away. With the love and support of family and friends, he carried on, but he truly missed her. Larry spent his time working out at the Livonia Recreation Center, and as always, his smile brightened the days of many.

Larry was a very loving and generous man. He gave from the heart, and was always there for those he loved and cared about. He loved having a good time, and even in his later years nothing could hinder his warmhearted nature and caring, welcome smile. To those who came to know and love him, Larry will be deeply missed and for ways all his own, he will be fondly remembered.

Larry D. Patzsch, age 77, passed away surrounded by his family October 21, 2015. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sonia. Loving father of Larry II (Krista) and Mike (Mary). Beloved grandfather of Trevor, Riley, and Brandon. Family will receive friends Sunday 2-9 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, 11:00 am at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 27201 W. Chicago, Redford (at Inkster). Instate at 10:30 am until Mass begins. To share a favorite memory and/or photo of Larry and to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.turowskilifestory.com.