Larry Sheneman

Larry Sheneman lived his life to the fullest. Nothing brought Larry greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moment. A devoted member of his family, community and church, faith formed the foundation of his life. Larry will be forever missed by those who knew him.

Larry entered the world on July 1, 1944. He was the fourth child of Frederick and Donna Sheneman of Wyoming, Michigan. He was raised in the loving, close-knit Sheneman home on Riser Street along with his siblings, Jim, Bill, Doug, Sharon and Rick. He was raised in the Lutheran faith and attended Pennelwood Church in his youth. The Sheneman family often spent weekends and extended vacations up north at Bassford Lake fishing and camping, which was a love he would pass down to his kids.

During his teens years, Larry attended Godwin High School where he was an award winning basketball player. In the late 1950s, Larry met Char Wadsworth while she was babysitting for a neighborhood family. The two were married five years later in 1963. After his marriage, Larry attended Grand Rapids Junior College and Grand Valley State College. And, at the age of 19, Larry joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gaining newfound faith.

He and Char were married for 29 years and together raised four beloved children, Michael, Timothy, Andrew and Jeanine. Larry was devoted to his family and worked hard to provide for them, building his career as an insurance executive and as an investment counselor, moving the family around the country to Arizona, Utah, Vermont, Indiana and then finally returning to Michigan.

Larry remained close to his siblings all throughout his life. They shared a property on Grass River in Antrim County. Decades of great family memories were made at the up-north property, fishing, boating, swimming and enjoying time together as family.

In July of 1999, Larry married Marie Benchich. He was happy to share his life with Marie and her three children, Amy, Michael and Bryan. In their retirement years, Larry and Marie enjoyed traveling to places like Alaska, Hawaii, going on many cruises, and their last big trip was to Saudi Arabia. He also loved spending time with family and friends. He and Marie shared life together for nearly 25 years before his passing, Marie having been by his side and an angel for the family in Larry’s last years.

Larry would do anything for his family. He was thrilled when he became a grandfather and then great-grandfather. He felt blessed to watch his family grow to 23 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

An avid Detroit Tigers fan, Larry enjoyed watching the games in person or on television. In his free time, Larry enjoyed tennis, racket ball, basketball, golf and fishing. He liked playing board games with the family and watching his favorite prime time tv shows, game shows and Star Trek. He was a local ordained leader in his church and served in several local branches. He considered it an honor to serve his church and community.

Larry was well known for his sharp sense of humor and clever wit. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Larry was a friend to many and beloved by all. He will be forever missed and leaves behind a priceless legacy.

Larry Sheneman, age 79, passed away with his family by his side on January 19, 2024. Larry was born in the summer of 1944 to the late Fred and Donna Sheneman. Larry was preceded in death by his four brothers and one sister. Larry will be well known for his outstanding humor and wit, his love of fishing, baseball and family. Larry is survived by his wife, Marie (Roth), his children Michael (Sheri), Tim (Jennifer), Andy (Amy) Sheneman, Jeannie (James Weidenfeller) Sheneman, Amy Ainslie, Michael (Elisabeth) Benchich, Bryan (Carrie) Benchich, his brothers-in-law Wesley (Roxanne) Roth, and Patrick (Dawn) Roth. Larry was a grandfather to twenty-three and a great-grandfather to five. A service to remember and reflect on Larry’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:30 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2780 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Larry’s family will meet with friends on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the church. Memorials in Larry’s honor may be given to Emmanuel Hospice. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com