Larry Campbell Menard

L'ANSE - Larry Campbell Menard, age 74, of L'Anse died on Friday, July 31, 2009 at his home with his family by his side.

He was born on June 28, 1935 in L'Anse to June V. (Olson) and Curtis Campbell Menard. He graduated from L'Anse High School, Class of 1953. He attended Michigan Tech before entering the Army, serving as a medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a life member of the Western Upper Peninsula Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division. He also was a member of the William McGlue American Legion Post #144. After his military service Larry sailed the Great Lakes on the ore boats until he was severally injured.

On May 7, 1960 Larry married Virginia "Virgie" Grace Watters. From 1962-72 he had a milk delivery route for Jilbert Dairy. Larry joined his father in the hardware store in 1972 and with his father's retirement in 1979 Larry and Virgie have run the business to date. From 1973-83, while raising their three sons, Larry and Virgie were foster parents to 18 children, with never more than two at a time.

Larry served as a Baraga County Commissioner for 25 years; he was a 30+ year's member of Baragaland Senior Citizens Center of which he was chairman for 20+ years. He helped establish the center and its many programs. He also served as a member of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region. In his spare time Larry enjoyed scuba diving, looking for "treasures" with his metal detector. Mostly he enjoyed time spent with family and friends at Second Sand Beach.

He was preceded in death by an infant son Michael Patrick; mother June V. (Olson) Menard; brother Dr. Curtis D. Menard (Wasilla, AK); and nephew Dr. Curtis C. Menard (Wasilla, AK).

Larry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Virginia "Virgie" (Watters) Menard, father Curtis C. Menard, sons Bryan, Patrick (Cheryl) & their daughters Shawnee and Shaylin, Jerry (Jamie) & their sons Kyle, Logan and Kegan, all of L'Anse, MI; sister Nancy of Germantown, WI; brothers Philip "Richie" (Joyce) of Pequaming and Jim of Nome, AK.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3rd from 5-8:00 pm at the Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 4th at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church in L'Anse with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. John Henry will officiate. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites at 10:45 am at the church on Tuesday. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Larry's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com