Larry J. Herder's Obituary
Larry Herder, age 75, left this world after a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, February 13th at home surrounded by family. He was a proud husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to many.
Larry was born in Muskegon and was a resident of West Michigan for most of his life. He attended Muskegon High School. In 1966, he enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Francis Marion during the Vietnam War until 1971.
Larry became a father in 1969 with the birth of his son, Jeff, and then welcomed his second son, Jason, in 1974. He raised them as a single father until he met the love of his life Roxanna Levandoski in 1980. They married after a three-month courtship on August 30th, 1980. They were happily married for 43 years. Larry and Roxanna welcomed their son, Josh, in 1983 followed by their son, Justin, in 1988.
Larry worked in manufacturing at Sealed Power Corp, Breneman Inc., Muskegon Piston Ring, Sureline Screw Products until starting his own machine shop, Rolar Products in 1989. He owned and operated Rolar in Muskegon Heights for 26 years until he retired and sold the business in 2015. Rolar still operates today under the same name. Larry was a hard worker and instilled a deep sense of work ethic in his sons who he was very proud of.
Larry was a member of the American Legion Post 9, VFW Post 3195, and Muskegon Lithuanian Club. He was also a supporter of the Muskegon Museum of Art and YMCA Muskegon.
Larry served on the American Legion Honor Guard for many years. He had a passion and deep pride for helping and caring for local veterans throughout the years including assisting with VA benefits and being a friend.
Larry’s sense of humor was infamous and loved to introduce himself as Dr. Herder to new people. Throughout his life, he had many hobbies including boating, frisbee, bowling, gardening, ping pong, and the occasional arm-wrestling challenge. His prized possession was his bright, yellow Prowler which he loved to loan for proms, cruising around in the summer, and attending local car shows. The Herders traveled to and participated in the Woodward Dream Cruise for many years with the Prowler Club.
Larry is survived by his wife Roxanna (Levandoski) Herder, son Jason (Angie) Herder, son Josh (Stefanie) Herder, son Justin (Grace) Herder, brother Dale (Diane) Herder, brother Tom (Janet) Herder, brother-in-law John (Vicki) Levandoski, sister-in-law Robin (Alan) Frees, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin & Ruth Herder, his son Jeff Herder, and mother-in-law Garnet Levandoski.
A celebration of life is planned at the VFW Post 3195 located at 5209 Grand Haven Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441 on Saturday, February 24th from Noon until 3 pm. An honor guard ceremony will begin at noon followed by a reception luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Legion Post 9 and/or VFW Post 3195 located at 5209 Grand Haven Roads, Norton Shores, Michigan.
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