Lawrence "Larry" Goodsell

Lawrence “Larry” Karl Goodsell of Livonia, MI passed away peacefully at home Friday, February 27, 2026. Preceded in death by Lawrence and Annabelle (LaFollette) Goodsell. Brother James [wife Jean] Goodsell. Survived by his wife Sharon “Sherri” (Allgaier) of 56 years, three children, nine grandchildren; Son Michael [wife Angela] Grandchildren Noah, Braydon, Casey. Daughter Laura “the girl twin who lives in Seattle” Grandchildren Cyrilla, Rhydian and Daughter Rebecca “Becky with all the twins” Grandchildren Harper, Auden, Emery, Finley. Brother Gary [wife Carol] Goodsell.

Larry graduated Hudson High School and continued his education by attending college at Ferris State University. Following graduation, Larry began his service in the United States Air Force and retired with the rank of captain.

One night while stationed in the Black Hills, he attended a party where he met a nursing student named Sherri. As the party ended, not wanting to say goodnight, he offered to drive her home. In spite of what Sherri describes as “driving way too fast”, he managed to charm his way into a date and eventually her heart. They married and moved to Metro Detroit where he built a career in the automotive industry and a family.

Always seeking the next great adventure, Larry pursued many passions. Drawn to ones that challenged his creativity, mental and physical stamina, he excelled at those that required waking at ridiculously early hours like hunting, triathlons and astronomy. Never deterred by the dark or miserable weather, for Larry they were just new opportunities to push himself outside of his comfort zone.

He was also known to enjoy a few indoor activities that took place during regular daylight hours like carpentry. He spent hours in his dusty, noisy basement workshop crafting wooden treasures for those he loved. Whether it was a beautiful 4 poster bed for Sherri or a set of tiny drawers made of scrap wood for his grandchildren, each piece was another way Larry shared what he loved with those he loved.

His children also came to love many of his hobbies and tolerate the discomfort of the early mornings, mostly because it meant sharing time with him. He leaves each with his curiosity for the world around them and a passion for the things he cared most about. For Mike it's cars and hunting. For Laura it's his creativity and love of running, swimming and the natural world. For Becky it's his athletic drive, photography and love of science (especially animals, which he would vehemently deny except for his dog Jake, who was a very good boy). And with Sherri he shared his biggest love, their family.

With the rest of his family and friends Larry shared his greatest gift, humor. Making people laugh with a quick joke or a funny story was how he won them over, forging new friendships everywhere he went. He also used humor to manage challenges and support others as they navigated hard things. He could diffuse tension or anxiety with one expertly told joke that miraculously never seemed ill-timed. It was his true super power and we are all the better for it.

Thank you for the love, the adventures, and the laughter. We love you and will miss you, always. Share and enjoy all the jokes and laughter with everyone in heaven.

Please send flowers to Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia, MI. Or, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s honor to organizations making a difference in the lives of your community or wild spaces. And as always, Larry loved a good joke, share one if you can because we all need a little more laughter in our life.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 6, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48152. A scripture service will be held at 7:00 pm.

An in state will occur on Saturday, March 7, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am at St Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, Michigan 48170, followed by a funeral mass beginning at 10:00 am, where Larry will receive military honors.