Larry George Schmandt, 66 years old of Turner, Michigan died July 9, 2010 in Turner following an accident in the woods. Larry was born May 17, 1944 in Saginaw, to Arnold and Arlene (Nuechterlein) Schmandt. He was followed by his brother Kenneth Schmandt. Together they created Schmandt Farms, which was first a dairy farm but then converted to cash crop farming in the early 1970’s. Larry spent most of his life doing what he knew and loved best-farming. His particular joy was the fall sugar beet season. One would always find him in the harvester with his pipe, water jug, and a huge smile. Larry’s current place of employment was Roger’s Elevator, Mt. Morris. There he continued his tradition of working hard, teasing his coworkers, fixing machinery, and chewing-the-fat with the neighboring farmers. Larry was well known for his work ethic, humor, teasing, and for his willingness to help out anybody who needed it. Favorite memories include his love for all things sweet, especially homemade chocolate frosting made by his daughter Sharon. Not a person within arms reach was safe from having their frosting “swiped” from their piece of cake by Larry. There were many other incidences involving sweets lovingly remembered by his family and friends. Larry had many hobbies including NASCAR, watching races at the Whitemore Racetrack, taking meticulous care of his home and Ford Pick-up, flower gardening, cutting fire wood, and restoring one of his most prized possessions “Jennifer” a 1952 John Deere B Tractor. Larry married Sandra Ewald on June 27, 1964 and together they raised three children. Larry is survived by his three daughters; Sharon Marx, Sherry and Brice Fuller, Victoria Ross, and “son-in-law” Thomas Cockerill; grandchildren, Shawn Marx and Rindy May Fuller all from Duluth, Minnesota and his beloved four legged companion Jenny “Mischievous Kid” Schmandt. He is also survived by his mother Arlene Schmandt and brother Kenneth (Lynn) Schmandt of Vassar and special friend Jeannie Neveau of Reese; his brother-in-law Allen and Blythe Ewald, and sisters-in law Marion (Ewald) Ross and Donagene Ewald. Multiple nieces and nephews including Maura and (Jon) Leinonen, Sue (Ewald) and Darrell Popp, Brenda (Ewald) Ryan, John and Reigh Ann Ewald, Brian and Alice Ewald, Mike and Deb Ewald, Ron Drager, James Ewald, Keith Ewald, Amy (Ewald) Standifer, and Lisa Ewald. Also many friends whom he loved including Roger and Nancy Conley, Ted Rogers and family, Edie Almasy and family, Russ and Connie Hinkley and family, and Ivan Sr. and Diana Lauria and family. Larry was preceded in death by his father Arnold Schmandt, granddaughter Ashley Ann Fuller, niece Sara Schmandt, nephew Thomas Ewald, brothers-in-law Gilbert Ewald and Richard Ewald and son-in-law Brian Howell.


~FUNERAL~
The Funeral Service will be Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11:00 am from the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw Street, Reese. Rev. John C. Pohanka will officiate with cremation to follow.


~VISITATION~
Larry’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday July 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. and on Wednesday July 14th from 10:00 to 11:00 am.



~MEMORIALS~
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial to the family. To all of our family and friends: special thoughts and blessings to each of you who touched our dad’s life. He was so very blessed to have called so many people “friend”. We thank you for all of your love and blessings during this time. We must all remember that dad would have wanted us to celebrate his life. He would expect great old time Polka Tunes, laughter and teasing, brats on the grill and of course chocolate cake and pies of any flavor! In Gratitude Sharon, Sherry, and Victoria Schmandt.

He is Gone
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and
turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins 1959