Larry Joe Michael

Larry Joe Michael, 87, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Sidney, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022, in Naperville, Illinois, surrounded by his family. The son of Joseph and Martha (Bash) Michael, Larry was born on July 1, 1935, in Warsaw, Indiana.

After graduating from Sidney High School in 1953, Larry attended Ball State University for two years before joining the Army. For much of his time in the service, Larry was based near Munich, Germany. Larry took great honor in his ability to serve his country. In 1960, Larry married Janet Marie Fruitt. After moving around in the early years, they settled in suburban Chicago and raised three children: Teresa, Kelly, and Brent.

Larry graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago while working and supporting his family. He was a proud businessman who enjoyed working for International Harvester for over 25 years, rising through the ranks from his first job at the factory in Fort Wayne to the corporate offices in downtown Chicago, in addition to other business and manufacturing jobs. He was most proud of his tenure as Vice President and General Manager of Middleby Marshall, Inc., where he was in charge of running the company.

Shortly after retiring, Larry moved to Florida, first living in Venice before later moving to St. Petersburg. Larry loved living an active life and enjoyed Florida’s warm weather and beaches. While living in St. Petersburg, he volunteered at Bay Pines VA Hospital, taking pride in assisting fellow veterans.

A Hoosier at heart, he was an avid IU basketball fan. Larry was a Christian man who was well loved by all who knew him. Although Larry had multiple health issues toward the end of his life, he always maintained a positive attitude and greeted everyone with a smile. He cherished time spent with his children and his six grandchildren.

The loving memory of Larry Joe Michael will be forever cherished by his son, Brent (Catherine Glunz) Michael, Wilmette, Illinois; daughters, Teresa Michael, Naperville, Illinois, and Kelly (Curtis) Herwig, Geneva, Illinois; sister, Diane (Richard) Metzger, North Manchester, Indiana; and grandchildren, Madeline Herwig, Michaela Herwig, William (Will) Herwig, Ryan Herwig, Alexander (Alex) Michael and Dorothea (Thea) Michael.  

Family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service to be held on July 23, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at Clemmers Fishers Ross Cemetery, 3904 East 900 South, Claypool, Indiana with Pastor JP Freeman officiating.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Larry J. Michael, memorial contributions may be made to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, P.O. Box 5005, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines, FL 33744 or https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/ and selecting State (Florida) and Facility (Bay Pines VA Healthcare System).

The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.

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