Larry Duncan Bacheller

Larry Duncan Bacheller Sr. 

An outstanding citizen, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and veteran. Born on December 2, 1938. He was welcomed at the gates of Heaven on December 3, 2023. 

If you knew Larry, he touched your life in some way. He was a noble man, a hero to many, a man who was from the generation of integrity, courage, and character. Larry was a diehard American patriot. 

He was a Veteran from the United States Army Special Forces, a member of the Green Berets, a Paratrooper from the 101st Airborne. A Green Beret is one of the most highly skilled soldiers, he was so proud of his service, and he would have given his life for this country. All the traits that this country has lost over time, were embodied in one amazing man. 

Larry fell in love with Sondra Ashley, both natives of Port Huron, Michigan, married her and relocated to the place his family calls home, Michiana. Larry had a successful career working for Prudential Insurance. There he received the highest award for selling one million dollars in insurance, he was so proud to provide for his family. He moved on to Builders World, a roofing company he owned in Cassopolis, MI. He loved sponsoring little league teams with his business name. He went on to own Dan's Trailer Sales in Elkhart, where he sold trailers. This lead Larry and Sondra to start a concession stand business together; they were known for their blooming onions, elephant ears and fresh lemonade shake ups. Larry loved people and the concession business; he was so proud of his family after each show. Many of his kids and grandkids favorite memories are working in the concession trailers.  Larry and Sondra were married for 63 years, he and Sondra created a small village of 45 descendants from a life of fun, family, hard work, and most importantly love. If you know a Bacheller, a Hale, a Miller, a Holmes, or a Wolf, you probably know Larry. He was staunch in his beliefs and influenced more lives than the ones he created. Not only did he welcome his own family, but friends, other relatives, nieces and nephews, cousins, children’s and grandchildren’s friends into his home with open arms. Larry was funny and sarcastic, even at 85 could match wits with the best of them. He shared all his wisdom with anyone who would listen. A self-proclaimed meteorologist, economist, and even doctor, he LOVED offering advice on the weather, the market, and how to take care of yourself. His heart was so big, he spent his life pouring into others, his deep love and compassion will be greatly missed.     

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Russell Bacheller, mother, Nina Bacheller, and 8 siblings, and is survived by his wife, Sondra Bacheller, and his children; Michelle Hale (Chris), Denise Miller (Loren), Linda Wolf, Carol Holmes (Jerry), and Larry Bacheller Jr. (Rachel), and by his grandkids; Nick Hale, Gretchen Schenk (Russell), Malerie Reed (Ron), Anthony Miller (Sara), Ryan Wolf (Rachel), McKenna Kelly (Darby), Kennedy Wolf, Jeff Holmes, Kelsey Hamilton (Jake), Baylee Bacheller, Hunter Bacheller, Davonte Conley, Sydney Bacheller, Ryleigh Bacheller, Devion Bacheller, and great grandkids; Jaden and Shaelyn Hale, Trey Nalley, Bradyn and Maxon Schenk, Wyatt, Hudson and Amelia Reed, Colton and Caleb Miller, Sophia Kelly, Zoey, Ady and Wyatt Holmes, CJ and Finn Hamilton. His family is his legacy. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Larry may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The family encourages you to share stories about Larry.

A celebration of life will be held on February 3, 2024 at 1:00pm at Porter Baptist Church, Constantine, MI 49042. Friends and family are welcome to attend a service officiated by Pastor Pat Neff and dinner following provided by Porter Baptist Church.

While visiting Larry’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. in Schoolcraft. 269 679-5622