Larry A. Nyberg

It is clear to see why Larry Nyberg led such a successful life and was blessed by his every endeavor. With his keen sense of business coupled with his social and friendly nature, he came to be well admired and respected within the community he so loved. Education was extremely important to him and his efforts as a strong advocate and supporter of the local school system served him well. Most importantly, Larry was a loving, dedicated and supportive husband, father and grandfather when it came to the family he loved and adored. Sadly missed, he will be fondly remembered.

Born at home in Plainwell, Michigan on July 12, 1937, Larry Allen Nyberg was a healthy bundle of boy weighing in at 11 pounds. A most welcome event in the lives of his parents, Gereld and Geraldine (Bodine) Nyberg. The second of eventually three children, Larry grew up with his brother, Butch and sister, Marilyn on their family farm.

Larry was an active farm boy who enjoyed boyhood antics and adventures with his many childhood friends. He attended the local school and went on to play football for Plainwell High School. He also enjoyed and excelled at roller and ice skating. He was extremely proud of his first car which was a black 1940 customized Chevy.

After graduation Larry enlisted in the Navy only to be disqualified due to a knee injury. As fate would have it the military turning him away led Larry back into the arms of his high school sweetheart, Patsy Armstrong. A proposal soon followed and on November 10, 1956 they were blessed in marriage shared before family and friends. Before long the young couple began welcoming children of their own into their lives with the births of their three children, Scott, Nicki and Kerry which eventually grew into six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Together Larry and Patsy created a good and loving place for their family and friends to call home and share many memorable moments.

Larry loved the outdoors and always looked forward to their travels up north. For 35 years he and Patsy, along with their good friends, Nancy and Breezy Brown looked forward to their fall excursions to the Upper Pennisula. Here they enjoyed fishing, rock hunting, trail traveling and relaxation on the shores of Lake Superior. Most years they were joined by many close family members and friends.

Larry loved to golf.

Larry supported his family with a successful career working at North American Aluminum Corporation. He began there as a draftsman before becoming a salesman for the company and over the years worked his way up the corporate ladder to becoming the company’s Vice President/General Manager. Along with those in Michigan, his duties came to include overseeing facilities in Ohio, Indiana and Georgia. Furthering his education and bettering himself held great significance for Larry. He took numerous correspondence courses and classes through Michigan State University to help him achieve his diverse abilities but it was his personable demeanor and natural business sense that was so beneficial in winning him contracts and successes. After forty six years of service, Larry retired in 1997.

Larry enjoyed golfing, traveling, fishing, hunting, going to coffee and socializing. He followed in his mother's footsteps by never avoiding a good game of cards. He also taught his grandkids the finer aspects of playing cards. He loved hearing and telling a good joke or story.

An avid golfer, Larry enjoyed playing on leagues, playing with friends and watching golf on TV. A few of his favorite courses included Crestview, Lake Doster and the beauty of Garland. He even enjoyed two holes-in-one!

With a heart for his community and all things educational, Larry played an active role in furthering the growth and favorable advancement in both areas. His qualities were also a benefit as he served as President of the Board of Education, Plainwell Community Center and Plainwell Otsego Jaycees. He was also Chairman of the Gun River Conversation Club and as a teenager he actually helped his father construct its building.

Larry's tenure on the school board also allowed him the opportunity for a few important moments in his life when he was honored to have given his daughter, Kerry her high school diploma at graduation. As an extremely proud son, Larry handed his own mother her long awaited diploma when she completed her GED.

After years of loving dedication raising their children in their home Larry and Patsy moved out to Pine Lake once their children were grown. There they enjoyed many years of lake living.

By the way did we mention, he loved to play and watch golf.

Faced with a second cancer diagnosis in January of 2010, it was a very long year for Larry as he underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Although he put up a valiant and honorable fight against the cancer it continued to progress. At the age of 73 Larry died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 surrounded by the comfort of his loving family. Lovingly missed and remembered, Larry Nyberg will come to mind often when reflecting on all he gave through his time, efforts and talents.

Visit with Larry's family and friends, view his life story film and share light refreshments on Friday, 4-7 PM and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881) where a funeral will be held on Saturday at 12:00 noon. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Butch Nyberg. His family includes his wife, Patsy, children: Scott (Cindy) Nyberg, Monica “Nicki”(Ray) Mikowski, Kerry (Carl) Wilkes; his grandchildren: Katie and Jill Nyberg, Jennifer Lee, Christopher (Vicky) Mikowski, Cassie and Allie Roemer, Carl Wilkes; great-grand-children, Dominick and Taylor Lee; his sister, Marilyn Campbell, sister-in-law, Sandy Nyberg, mother-in-law, Lu Armstrong; brother-in-laws: Jack (Ellen) Armstrong, Jerry (Carol) Armstrong; many, many wonderful and dear to his heart nephews, nieces and lifelong friends. Please visit Larry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to Heartland Hospice or the Gun River Conservation Club.