Ernest "Larry" Delemeester

Ernest “Larry” Delemeester of St. Charles, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, August 20, 2021, at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, Michigan. He was 81 years old. Larry Delemeester was born on February 14, 1940, in Merrill, Michigan, to the late Ernest George and Elizabeth (Naessens) Delemeester. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Charles High School. Following graduation, Larry proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. Upon honorable discharge, he returned and began working with his father in construction and on the family farm. While attending a picnic, he met the love of his life, Rose Ann Horny. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage in Hemlock on December 26, 1964; she survives him. He was employed with Hemlock Semiconductor as a process controller, retiring after many years of dedicated service. Larry was a faithful and longtime member of St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church, and before that Immaculate Conception in St. Charles. Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed fishing in the Great Lakes Bay Area, especially at the Sebewaing County Park. He also enjoyed woodworking, a craft he learned from his father. Larry and Rose Ann had a woodworking business and often attended arts and crafts shows; Larry did the woodwork and Rose Ann would do the painting. He also enjoyed hunting deer and small game, as well as a good game of cards with family and friends. Larry was detail oriented and had the mind of an engineer; from machines to fishing reels, he could repair it all. He was also known for his excellent organizational skills, avidly collecting various items and meticulously displaying them in his barn. He will forever be remembered for his love and dedication to family, his willful and unyielding sense of direction, and for lovingly teaching his children, family, and close friends how to do things the right way - “Larry’s way”.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Rose Ann Delemeester; son, Ernest Larry (Leslie) Delemeester Jr.; three daughters: Julie (Ken) Blakley, Stephanie (Chris) Smith, Jody (John) Hill; 12 grandchildren: August (Elise) Delemeester, Mitchell (Sabrina Johnson) Delemeester, Garrett Delemeester, Natalie Delemeester, Lauren Carlisle, Adam Carlisle, Nicholas Smith, Sarah Smith, Gretchen Hill, John Hill, Anna Hill, and Andrew Hill; brothers and sisters: Jim (Marlene) Delemeester, Mary (Dave) Kushion, Linda Delemeester, Jeanne Delemeester, Roger (Kris) Delemeester, Lori (Tim) Johnson. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Delemeester.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church, 151 Saint Marys Drive, Hemlock. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Fremont Township Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Monday at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Rd. from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John XXIII Parish or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.