Larry Richards Hollenbeck

Larry Richards Hollenbeck, 73, left his extraordinary earthly life behind to investigate the backroads, campgrounds, mountains and shorelines of heaven on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from Spectrum-Butterworth Hospital.

He was born April 4, 1940, in Flint, Michigan to Floyd and Frances Hollenbeck.

He was a competitive swimmer in high school, even trying out for the 1956 Olympics, and graduated in 1958 from Flint Central.

He served in the Michigan National Guard and married Penny Lou Case in 1961; they divorced in 1978.

As he would say, in his previous life, he was a salesman for many years. He then married Margaret Steward in 1978 and they moved to Hastings in 1981.

For 13 years he served as Barry County Civil Defense Director, he and his wife owned and operated Hollenbeck's Laundry for many years, he delivered the Grand Rapids Press and The Reminder, and will be remember by all of Hastings for selling "the best hotdogs this side of the Mississippi" on the downtown street corner for over 20 years.

He was a member of Hastings First United Methodist Church for over 30 years and went on many work camp mission trips.

Larry had many passions throughout his life including bicycling, sailing, cross country skiing, raising chickens, camping, visiting historic sites, riding one of his scooters, and sharing his opinion, or words of wisdom, or wild stories with anyone who would listen.

He will be profoundly missed by his wife, Margaret, his children D'Anne and Severiano Ramos of Brighton, Kristin and Bill St. Marie of Lansing, Andy Hollenbeck of Hastings, his grandchildren Rachelle and Hallie St. Marie, Cristian and Jordan Ramos, and his sister Gertrude Bailey of Davison.

Larry proudly donated his body to Michigan State University and a memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Hastings First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green St., Michigan 49058. Visitation with the family at 2:00, service at 3:00 and a meal following.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hastings First United Methodist Church for the dome restoration fund, or to the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven.

Condolences or memories may be posted to Hollenbeck's Hotdogs face book page or emailed to lamahollenbeck@yahoo.com.