Lawrence "Larry" Hegstrom

Lawrence "Larry" R. Hegstrom, 84, of Crystal Falls Mich., passed away Thursday September 13, 2018, at Aspirus Hospital, Iron River Mich. He was born 19 May 1934, in Crystal Falls Mich, son of the late Leonard and Mamie (Mannisto) Hegstrom. He married the former Mary Dalpra on 21 December 1957 in Crystal Falls Mich. She preceded him in death on 2 June 1985. He later married Dr. Diane Kinowski, she preceded him in death in March 2001. He then married Sherry Groop on April 25, 2013 in Crystal Falls, and have spent the last 5 plus wonderful years together. Larry graduated from Crystal Falls High School, Class of 1952. Upon graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Army. During his 3 years in the Army Lawrence was stationed at Fort Leonardwood Missouri as a training instructor. He also served a 1 year tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War where he was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Lawrence returned to Crystal Falls. He attended Northern Michigan University where he was awarded a Master's Degree in teaching. He began his career teaching in Amasa, Alpha, Ironwood, and Norway Mich. In 1962 he began teaching history and social studies at the Forest Park School district and continued until his retirement in 1987. In addition to his teaching career Larry was very active in the local community. In 1965 he was elected to the Crystal Falls city council where he served until 1968 when he was appointed as the Mayor. He worked tirelessly at this position and was re-elected to serve as Mayor for the next 30 years. In recognition of his tireless support for the Crystal Falls community he was selected as the 1969 Citizen of the Year. Larry was also instrumental in the planning and organization of the Crystal Falls Centennial celebration in 1980. Larry was an active member of the Crystal Falls Lions Club for the past 50 years, during this time he served as King Lion and was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. As a member of the Lions club Lawrence enjoyed working on parade floats and continually improving the clubs facilities. His devoted efforts were instrumental in the success of the annual Bass Festival Celebration and the continued success of the club. Larry loved the outdoors in each season of the year. In the winter he loved snowmobiling, in the spring and fall he loved being in the woods on his ATV. Summer months he could be found on the local lakes and reservoirs on his speed boat or pontoon boat. He was always the spark plug for planning adventure trips with his friends and family. Anyone who was lucky enough to participate in these outings came home with a smile on their face and was eager to go again. Lawrence also loved to help his family and friends with remodeling projects on their homes or camps and always made sure work was followed by pleasure. He was highly respected for his carpentry skills and ability to make things better. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they all adored him. Larry is survived by his wife Sherry, three sons, Mark (Karen) Hegstrom, Randy(Ramona-deceased) Hegstrom, and Paul (Marie) Hegstrom, all of Crystal Falls, two daughters, Char(Ray) Sarkis, Volcano California, Lisa(Tom) Lesandrini of Crystal Falls; step children, William (Amber) Rajala of Iron River, Derek (Jenn) Rajala of Crystal Falls and Julie (Nick) Kosky of Green Bay; eleven grandchildren, Alyson Dettman, Mary Hegstrom, Lexi Hegstrom, Jeffrey Hegstrom, Brandon Hegstrom, Stephanie Saunders, David Lesandrini, Alicia Boussum, Kaylee Lesandrini, Jennifer Ketola and Lindsey Anderson Fourteen great grandchildren, Connor, Lexi, Tianna, Sonny, Sophie, Bexley, Autumn, Berklee, Bristol, Fynnly, Marleigh, Liv, Lena, Vera. Larry was proceeded in death by his wives Mary and Diane, his brothers Gerry and Leonard and his daughter-in-law Ramona. To know Larry was to love him, he will be sadly missed and always remembered by his family and friends. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Sept. 18th from 9:00-11:00am at the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls. Memorial services will follow at 11:00am at the funeral home. Rev. Micheal Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Lawrence "Larry" Hegstrom may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Lawrence "Larry" Hegstrom

May 19, 1934 - September 13, 2018