Larry Philip Flanders

On October 1, 2023, Larry “Papa” Philip Flanders, of Trout Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace, Michigan, after 88 years of life. Larry (or “Papa” as he was known to his family) will be dearly missed by many. He was born on June 19, 1935, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Philip Bixby and Ferne H. (Keinfeldt) Flanders. Larry’s early childhood was spent in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and graduated from high school in Monmouth, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s from Monmouth College in 1957, and his master’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1967. While in the Army, he was stationed in Germany where he met his wife, Astrid (Kessler), with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. They have treasured their life in the community of Trout Lake, where they have lived full-time since 1983. Professionally, Larry was a dedicated educator in the Rudyard School system for more than 30 years, beginning his role there in 1961, and retiring in 1991. He taught high school English, Speech, Creative Writing, and Drama. His theatrical productions were enjoyed by many. He mentored many student teachers during his tenure, and advised the National Honor Society. Additionally, Larry worked as an adjunct professor of English at Lake Superior State University. An anthology of his poems and short stories entitled, “Alive and Free in the Eastern U.P.” was published to support the Rudyard Area Education Foundation, of which he was an active member. He was a member of the Rudyard Presbyterian Church, and a member of both the Birch Shores and Wegwaas Lake Property Owners Associations. Larry enjoyed fishing, canoeing, carpentry, theater, reading, and writing. Larry’s children and grandchildren cherish decades worth of memories in Trout Lake with “Papa”, who led fishing excursions, gave endless four-wheeler rides, organized canoe treasure hunts around the lake, and made homemade pizza on Friday nights. Larry is survived by his two daughters, Ingrid Flanders of Portland, Oregon, and Sandra Griffith of Woodstock, Illinois; son-in-law, Jeffrey Griffith; six grandchildren, Elsbeth Flanders, Caleb Huth, Laurel Huth, Kate (Brad) Wignes, Dean (Heather) Griffith, Korinne Griffith; and great-grandson, Beau Kessler Wignes. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Ferne; and brother, Michael. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Rudyard Area Education Foundation, P.O. Box 394, Rudyard, MI 49780. A private burial will be held on Saturday, October 7th, with a public memorial service being planned for the Summer of 2024. Galer Funeral Homes & Cremation assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com. Obituary as submitted by family

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Larry Philip Flanders

June 19, 1935 - October 1, 2023