LAWRENCE G. ECKOFF

 Lawrence Eckoff, 89, of Coloma, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville following a recurrence of cancer.

 Larry was born May 7, 1935, in Coloma, Michigan, to Louis and Mabel Eckoff. He graduated from Coloma High School in 1953 and studied engineering at the University of Michigan for three years. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army and spent a year in military hospitals recovering from pleurisy, which he contracted during basic training. Soon after his medical discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Arent. Before her passing in 2021, they enjoyed sixty-four years of marriage, raising three daughters.

 Larry thrived as a fruit farmer in Coloma and grew apples, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries, retiring in 2000. He was an avid sports fan and faithfully cheered on his Michigan Wolverines and Detroit sports teams through all of their highs and lows. He also enjoyed playing sports. In addition to sports, he enjoyed travelling, learning new things, lending a helping hand, making applesauce and zucchini bread.

 Larry was an active member of the Coloma United Methodist Church for nearly seventy years, holding many leadership positions such as Finance Chair, chair of Trustees, the Administrative Board, and Staff-Parish Relations. He also volunteered at HOPE Resources food pantry.

 Larry is survived by his three daughters: Janet (William) Peart of Davisburg, MI, Judy (Steve) Alspach of Chicago, IL, Diane (Jeff) Simon of Goshen, IN; five grandchildren: Eric (Naomi) Peart of Newport News, VA, Jillian Simon of Indianapolis, IN, Bethany Simon of Lafayette, IN, Kevin (Allison) Peart of Mount Pleasant, MI, and Rebecca Peart of Davisburg, MI; four great-grandchildren: Catriona, Mairi, Elizabeth, & Eric Jr., and another great-grandson who is due on Larry’s upcoming birthday. Also surviving are his brother Ronald (Barbara) Eckoff of Cumming, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

 Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coloma United Methodist Church with a luncheon following. The family will begin receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Interment of ashes will be in Coloma Cemetery.

 Memorial gifts may be made to the Coloma United Methodist Church, HOPE Resources or other food pantry, or another charity selected by the donor.

 Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.