Lawrence "Larry" Latowski

Lawrence “Larry” Latowski, age 96 of Battle Creek, passed away Monday, November 25, 2024. He was born in Harvey, Illinois on July 2, 1928, the son of John and Hattie (Slowikowski) Latowski. Larry enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in the Philippines and Guam from 1945 to 1949. He returned to his family in Battle Creek and completed his GED, as well as his Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. 

Larry retired from a career at Gull Lake Public Schools in Richland, MI where he worked as a High School Teacher and Guidance Counselor, and also where he met the “Love of His Life”, Mary Gould. Together they shared a love for golf and never missed opportunities to play with family and friends. He co-owned a hobby shop with his brother Ray, and he shared his passion for building and flying model airplanes, woodworking, and restoring antique cars with many. Larry was a talented craftsman and was devoted to teaching everyone, especially his children, how to work with their hands.

Larry was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), Society of Antique Modelers (SAM), Veteran Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA), Balsa Bees, Happy Campers, St. Joseph Dads Club and Parish Council member, and Binder Park Retired Teachers Golf League. 

Larry is survived his wife of 62 years, Mary (Gould) Latowski; his children Lori (Mike) Grover, Lisa (Dieter) Korte and Andy Latowski; and his grandchildren, Kiersten Latowski, Kate Grover, Helen Korte, Emily Korte and Lauren Latowski. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Anthony, Daniel and Raymond; and his sister, Eleanor Summers. 

Larry had an unusual and lasting concern for others, always wanting everyone to be taken care of, and encouraging others to pursue a trade, education or especially, a hobby. Larry was a good man and a great and loving spouse and father and held onto his caring nature and his expressions of love to this day.

A Celebration of Larry’s Life with full military honors will be held 2:30 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Larry may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.