Larry Stratton

LARRY WILLARD STRATTON

Larry Willard Stratton, 83 of Negaunee, MI passed away on April 2, 2024, at his beloved childhood home in Otsego, MI. He was born on March 2,1941 in Plainwell, MI to Willard and Rhetha Stratton. Larry graduated from Otsego High School in 1960.

Larry met the love of his life, Faye (Lammie) while living at the Breiting Hotel in Negaunee, soon after he moved there from Otsego to work in iron ore mining. Larry caught Faye putting a note on his red, 67 Firebird. Faye had a green, 69 Firebird. The note read “Hi Larry, guess who”. The rest of the story is threaded into 54 incredible, loving, family-filled and adventurous years of marriage. He earned his “Yooper” status!

During Larry’s childhood he enjoyed riding horses, and hunting. In high school, he played football for the Otsego Bulldogs. He considered himself “a rebel”, driving fast cars and he “may have” participated in some drag racing on the back country roads. His affinity for old cars, planes, ships, guns, westerns, and military history continued throughout his life.

He worked at Plainwell Paper until 1969, when he and his friend Rick Luhtanen moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There, he worked at the Mather B Iron Ore Mine (underground) from 1969-1979. Following, he drove the “Big Tonka Trucks” in open pit mining for two decades at the Empire Mine in Palmer, Michigan. He proudly retired from the Tilden Mine on August 1, 2002. Member of USW local 4950.

Larry was an active member of the Negaunee Eagles Aerie #1944, where he helped in the kitchen which served hundreds of delicious Eagle breakfasts and liked being the “dish guy”.

Larry spent much of his time with family at his two favorite places: his beloved childhood home “The Stratton Farm” (aka The Coop), and Camp Lammie on the McClure River Basin. In both places, he would welcome family, friends, and neighbors with a smile and open arms. He had a special gift of “striking up” conversation with friends and strangers alike, telling detailed stories. He spread 100% unconditional love, and cared for many as if they were his own. He modeled compassion, work ethic, a “fix it” attitude, strength, and kindness. Larry was gentle, feisty, funny, and ALWAYS helpful. He enjoyed listening to his favorite music, especially Pink Floyd and The Ventures. Sauna time, going for a pontoon cruise on the river basin, walking in the woods, sitting in his blind, and traveling to Tennessee yearly with Faye, and special cousins Judy and Jim brought him much joy. He loved his SISU bride and their family with every ounce of his being.

He is survived by the love of his life, Faye and five children: Matthew (Terry) Duga and his children Jennifer (Dennis), Michael (Tara), and Brandon. Laralee (Rod) Jones and their daughter Jade. Michelle (Scott) Addington. Larissa (Seth) Hanson and children Ayden, Kylan and Ashlan. Kristen (Jeff) Sobolewski and his children Trisha, Tanner, Cambria and Zach. Brother Russel (JoAnn) Stratton, Sister-in-law Susan Bazinette,11 great-grandchildren, special nephew Dean Stratton, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and two long-time best friends Walt Mesik and Geno Kaukola.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Rhetha Stratton, In-laws Bill and Sylvia Lammie, Brother-in-law John Lammie and niece Amy Sue Bazinette.

Life celebrations will take place in both Otsego and Negaunee Michigan.

April 27, 2024

2-5:00 pm

Please bring your lawn chair!

June 8, 2024

1:00 -5:00 pm

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 Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).