Larry J. Willette

He was born November 8, 1951, in Ishpeming, a son of Arthur J. And Marion E. (Niemi) Willette. He was a 1969 graduate of Gwinn High School and attended NMU.

Larry worked at CCI for a few years before taking a position at the Gwinn High School as a custodian. He was last employed at Larry’s Family Foods where he retired in 2014.

Larry will be so deeply missed by his family and his many friends he met along his life’s journey. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and going to his friends, Scott and Shelly’s camp. He was an old soul that enjoyed more than anything drives down old country roads and watching westerns on TV, especially Gunsmoke.

His passion after his retirement from Larry’s Family Foods (where he was known as LJ) was to take pictures of all of his favorite places. He must be amazed at what he is seeing now in Heaven.

He will be known for his friendliness, his wonderful smile and joyful laugh.

As a family, we would like to thank his numerous friends that reached out and visited him, as well as UP Hospice for their exceptional care.

Larry is survived by a sister, Patricia (Marvin) Sodermark of Gladstone, MI; three nephews, Allen (Stephanie) Sodermark of Roscoe, IL, Greg (Jennifer) Sodermark of Madison, WI and Kevin (Jill) Sodermark of Bark River, MI; great-nieces & nephews, Brandon, Becky, Sabrina, Alysse, Robert, Logan, Cameron, Elaina and Kendall. He was preceded in death by his parents.

At Larry’s request a Celebration of Life will be held at the Gwinn Clubhouse on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Interment will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.

Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com