Obituary of Larry Wayne Meehleder

Larry Wayne Meehleder, age 87 of Essexville Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024.  Larry was born May 14, 1936 and raised in Zilwaukee Michigan by his parents Lester H. and Emma (Rody) Meehleder. Graduating in 1954, Larry attended Arthur Hill High School where he enjoyed playing football and was a place kicker. He then volunteered early for the draft in 1955, and was enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 12, 1956. He served 2 years in the 3rd Infantry Platoon 6th Armored Division out of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.  After being discharged from the service, he followed in his father’s footsteps, and began his career at Sunshine Biscuit Company, and later, worked at Oven Fresh Bakery in Saginaw, Michigan.

On December 29, 1964, Larry and Patricia McGrath were married at St. John the Evangelist Church in Essexville, Michigan, and they shared 56 years together.  Their marriage was blessed with 4 sons, and the Meehleder family enjoyed many road trips as they would grab the fishing poles, hop in the van and head to Crooked Lake for their annual fishing trip.  All four of the sons played football at Garber High School, also as place kickers. The family spent their free time with their dad in the front yard kicking the football for ongoing practice.  Larry was a member of the American Legion where he enjoyed spending time with his friends, and telling stories of the past. In the late 90’s he transitioned his career to Mortgage America, where he worked through retirement.  Larry and Patricia enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, and the moment the kids would arrive you could see a grin of excitement on their faces, as they would sit and listen to the stories of all the children’s adventures.

He is survived by his four sons, Michael (Michelle) Meehleder, Patrick (Linda) Meehleder, Steven (Kristine) Meehleder, and Kevin (Jamie) Meehleder; grandchildren, Laura Hill, Christa Sheldon, Gregory Meehleder, Dylan Meehleder, Kyle Meehleder, Brady Meehleder, Max Meehleder; Ava Meehleder and Ryan Meehleder; and eight great-grandchildren. Larry was predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia Ann who passed away April 30, 2019; his parents, Lester and Emma; a brother, Billy Meehleder; and his sister, Sally (Meehleder) Loiacano.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.  Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.  Complete service arrangements will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Michigan Veterans Foundation (MVF/DVC), whose mission is to help homeless veterans regain their stability and return to self-sufficiency. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9lfd54vausd92&ssrt=1704466192831  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

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