Lawrence Sulkowski

After battling the Alzheimer’s disease for five years, Larry, passed away October 8, 2022, peacefully in Farmington Hills.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide Street, Fenton with the Funeral Mass following at 11:00 AM. Interment will be Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 12:30 PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442.

Remembering Larry

Drawing and painting played a big role in Larry’s life. As a young child, his father provided him with color pencils and Larry drew pictures of cars. As time progressed, he specialized in landscapes and still lifes. His studio showcased many pictures, including that of an Indian, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder…and an abstract self-portrait. To keep his art ability fresh, Larry took classes at Eastern Michigan University, the College for Creative Studies, and classes by the local accomplished artist, Edee Joppich.

Larry’s attention to detail served him well – in art, seeing what his young kids were up to, and as an inspector at Ford Motor Company before retiring. He remembered people’s names even if they met six months ago and he hasn’t seen them since.

Larry, a down-to-earth man, enjoyed the outdoors – walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming…

One of his favorite memories was a Boy Scout adventure with his son, Jeremy, at the Battle of Gettysburg. The boys were assigned to plan and buy groceries for their breakfast. Back at camp they discovered they purchased soda pop, but no milk for the cereal.

He laughed when recalling a street hockey game he played with his kids. His young daughter, Katie, was determined to keep up with her brother and was aggressive wielding her hockey stick.

And Larry engaged in a battle with the squirrel that was digging holes in our garden. Standing ramrod straight on our porch, Larry stood ready for attack – with a giant squirt gun. The squirrel was up to the challenge and dug more holes.

Larry enjoyed gardening and cooking. His delicious meatballs were humongous – the size of fists! His garnished dinner plates would rival any at a gourmet restaurant. Larry entertained the idea of becoming a chef after retiring but spent his time preparing meals with his wife, Michele.

Larry also enjoyed making people smile. Occasionally, he broke out in a spontaneous, silly dance. On a serious note, Larry was patriotic and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

He married Karen Thornton. Before divorcing, they had two children – Jeremy Thomas and Kathleen (Katie) Marie.

In 2015, he married the love of his life – Michele Sprague Sulkowski, who was by Larry’s side throughout his hellish journey of the Alzheimer’s disease.

The words, “We need to talk,” didn’t scare Larry. Sometimes he initiated them. He had a collection of books on relationships, and he was ready to have discussions when needed. A sensitive, gentle man, Larry said to his wife, Michele, “You have no flaws. You are you.”

Larry was born in Detroit to Edmund Harry Sulkowski and Helen (Kowalcryk). Larry leaves his wife, Michele; his children, Jeremy and Kathleen; his sister Phyllis Kowal, her husband Henry and their children; and friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his brother William, his father and mother.

Finally free of the Alzheimer monster, Larry is probably dancing with the angels in Heaven.

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In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association for research.

No plans are made for a social gathering after the funeral.

art by larry sulkowski