Lawrence "Larry" George Turpening

Age 71, of Jerome, Michigan, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Larry was born in Toledo, Ohio to Garth and Catherine (Root) Turpening. Larry, who graduated from Whitmer High school in Toledo, Ohio, gained local notoriety in the Toledo Blade and won awards for building a pipe organ at home. He entered the organ into science fairs and won awards at the Washington High Science Fair, the University of Toledo, and Bowling Green Science Fair. Larry, self-taught in electronics, drafting, and woodworking, had success as a quality control technician at Quinton Instruments Medical Equipment and Garrett Allied Signal Aerospace. His passion for pipe organs led him to change his career. He started his own business, Parrish Pipe Organ Service, where he built and repaired custom pipe organs for churches throughout the state of Michigan. Larry’s love of woodworking assisted him in building and remodeling seven homes through his lifetime. These homes, located in Ohio, Washington, and Michigan, are both works of art and skilled labors of love, serving Larry’s creative purpose. Larry was also an adept furniture builder, most recently creating brilliant resin-filled “river” tables and light fixtures for family and friends with his signature bands of azure blue flowing throughout the wood. No part of Larry’s interests were untouched by his skill. He loved traveling throughout the US, especially through the western states, and made a teardrop trailer to camp in. A devoted grandfather, he took his grandchildren camping in “the teardrop” and in his van cross-country, eager to share his love of nature with them. He enjoyed biking, photography, and telling stories around a campfire with his family. He was happiest when visiting national parks and hot springs, making a point to visit them on the way to see his daughters in Arizona. Larry will be remembered for his sense of humor, genuineness, and indomitable spirit. He was generous with his gifts. There was nothing he couldn’t do and he used his abilities to help his family and friends. He is greatly missed. Larry leaves behind his devoted wife of 31 years, Mary Ann McCarty, children, Angela Turpening, Gina (Josh) Kerr, Diane (Shane) Rudolph, and Jennifer Diamond-Oraiste; grandchildren, Aleister, Lily, Connor Lawrence, Hero, Devin, Aiden, and Mayah, siblings Gartha Turpening Parrish, Gary (Linda) Turpening, Lee (Patricia A.) Turpening, Glen (Patricia K.) Turpening. Larry is survived by his uncle George Turpening, many nieces and nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held at Federated Church of Grass Lake (519 E Michigan Ave, Grass Lake, MI 49240) on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 11:00AM . Family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00AM until of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (http:www.pancan.org) or your favorite charity.