Lawrence Michael Lillis

Lawrence Michael Lillis, of Haslett, Michigan, formerly of Boyne City, Michigan, entered eternal life on October 11th 2010 after an extended illness. He was born on May 29, 1956 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. The family moved to Boyne City and he spent most of his school time involved in many activities (football, softball, bowling, Boy Scouts).

Larry graduated from Boyne City High School in 1974 and followed his father Dale and brother Chuck to Michigan State University where he graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism. Larry loved his Spartans so much, that he stayed on at MSU and worked for Housing and Food Services. Larry started the “Middle Earth” Snackshop in Snyder-Phillips and was there for several years before moving on to Crossroads Cafeteria where he opened the Coffee Beanery at the beginning of the coffee craze. From there, Larry moved on to Concessions at the Breslin Center, where he worked until June 2005, after almost 30 years. Everybody that worked with or for Larry knew firsthand of his loyalty and dedication to his job, and his employees; and how he always gave it his all.

Larry met the love of his life Karen Burke in February of 1997 and they were married on July 10, 1998 at the MSU Alumni Chapel. They lived in Haslett, but vacationed at a home they purchased on Lake Superior in the U.P. Larry loved sitting on the deck watching the waves roll in and hearing them crash upon the shore.

Larry was preceded in death by his father Dale, brother Mike, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Karen; her children Stacey ( Clay) Johnson, Jenny Kropff, and Robbie Kropff; mother Joan “Babe” Lillis, brothers Chuck (Jayne) Lillis, Dave (Marcia) Lillis; sisters Sue (Mike) Wassenberg, Heidi (T.I.M.) Swajanen; and his nieces and nephews Bethany, Jessie, Ryan, Lisa, Kylie, Jimmy, Brian, Brandon, Matthew, Betty Jo and Bree.

A memorial service will be held in early December. Contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation, Michigan Chapter, 31700 W. 12 Mile Rd, Ste 121, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, or to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 in memory of Larry. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Please visit www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com to sign the guestbook for the family.