Lawrence Patrick Mansfield

On Sunday October 14, 2012 Larry passed away peacefully at the Hospice House after a long illness. Larry was born on April 2, 1936 to Dan and Hazel (Hauptli) Mansfield; and after the death of his parents, Lou and Irene Potvin became his new parents. He grew up at the Shallows - his little piece of paradise - and went swimming, fishing, water skiing and enjoyed racing his boat up and down the river. Larry leaves his wife: Joyce (Moran) of 51 years; a son: Mark L. Mansfield of Sault Ste. Marie, MI along with his fiancée: Melissa "Sis" Nelson, a daughter: April (Steve) Lauder of Oakland, OR, his grandchildren: Daren (Jessica) Mansfield of Traverse City, Kaylee Lynn Mansfield, Justin Mansfield of Pellston, MI, Hannah Wood, Nicholas and Chase Nelson, Great grandchildren: Lainey Otten and Brady Kolatski, a brother and sister-in-law: John and Patricia Moran, niece: Joy (Edward) Randall, nephew: Tyler (Janie) Moran, sister: Dolores Keiper of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, nieces: Gayle Pace and Janet Stevenson; nephews: Bruce and Dan Keiper, and dear friends: Marge and Neal Godby and Tom Kelly. Larry attended school in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and after graduation he worked as a draftsman for the Corp. of Engineers and then at Kincheloe Air Force Base. He played in the Wimpy Smith Band and was in the National Guard for 6 years. In 1964, he graduated from LSSU with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. He was the owner of the Mohawk Supper Club, manager of the Ramada Inn, Realtor for Champion Realty and later for MacMaster Realty. Larry's happiest and fondest times were when he brought home his children, Mark and April, and then the joy of his grandchildren, teaching them to fish, swim, snowmobile and hunt. It was because of him that they all love the outdoors and nature. Larry's true faith helped him so much to deal with his illness and was an inspiration to his family. Larry was preceded in death by his parents: Dan and Hazel Mansfield; his adopted parents: Lou and Irene Potvin; a sister Virginia (Ray) Pavey; and his father and mother-in-law: John (Jack) and Marion Moran. A memorial mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at St. Joseph Church with Father Piotr Zaczynski, followed by a coffee at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the EUP, 308 West 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Cards of condolence may be sent to Joyce and family at P.O. Box 1176 Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783. The family was assisted by C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Thank you to Dr O'Connor and Dr. Peterman and all the caring nurses and friends who helped our family at this time.

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Lawrence Patrick Mansfield

April 2, 1936 - October 14, 2012