Larry Karl Smeage's Obituary
Larry Karl Smeage, age 73, of Spring Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Larry was born March 19, 1949, in Saginaw, MI, to Alfred and Antoinette (Simcik) Smeage. While earning his degree at Michigan State University, Larry was drafted into the United States Navy in 1970 where he served in the ICU at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. After three years of active duty, Larry joined the Naval Reserve and returned to Michigan State, earning a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Biology and Public Health in 1975. Larry would spend the next 45 years in the field of healthcare, first as a microbiologist at Advanced Medical and Research Center in Pontiac, MI and later as Director of Laboratory Services at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI, from which he retired in 2021. A point of pride, Larry was an early employee at Cerner Corporation, a clinical software company, based in Kansas City, MO.
Larry will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father, and friend whose loyalty to those around him was unmatched. He married the love of his life, Tamara “Tami” Shaffer on September 15, 1984. Larry and Tami cultivated a life of exploring nature with Jen and Kris from the White Mountains to the Rockies. Many a weekend in the summer, you could find Larry and Tami kayaking down the Muskegon or Flat rivers. When not kayaking, Larry was probably peddling his bike 20 miles out on the North Bank Trail. From Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to the Pictured Rocks in the UP, Larry was always up for the next adventure.
A gifted singer and guitarist, Larry comes from a rich heritage of traditional Czechoslovakian composers, musicians, and singers. Larry’s love for the arts began at a young age first in school choirs and later while spending a summer at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Throughout his children’s youth, Larry was active in supporting the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and the various musical programs at Grand Haven High School.
A son of a builder, Larry was never short of projects around the house. While the list is long, a sampling of Larry’s creations includes a tree house for Jen and Kris; a luxurious doghouse for collies, Toby and Topaz; a stone firepit and trellis; customized bird houses; and an intricate model train layout. Larry’s creations were not limited to the inedible kind. He also loved baking traditional Czechoslovakian pastries during the holidays. Above all, Larry was happiest when bringing to life his next idea.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Tamara Smeage; daughter, Jennifer Smeage; son, Kristopher Smeage and his wife Emily O’Shea Smeage; brother Dennis Smeage and his wife Bette Butler; and sister, Sharlene Smeage and her husband Lee Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nadine Smeage. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 3pm at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. VISITATION with the family will take place one hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS in honor of Larry can be made to the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Share memories with the family and sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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