Larry "Pork" Wayne Goerner's Obituary
Larry "Pork" Wayne Goerner, age 80, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at Spectrum Health Memorial Hospital - Butterworth Campus. He was born on October 29, 1934, the son of Clarence and Helen (Welch) Goerner in Howard City, Michigan. Larry graduated from Howard City Public School in 1952.
Larry met the love of his life, Betty Cahill, in 1953, when she was a junior in high school. They were married on September 2, 1955 in Lakeview. Betty accompanied Larry while he served his country in the Army for two years in Germany, from 1957 until 1959.
Larry was employed from 1952 to 1968 at Penna Rail Road as a Freight Agent. Larry was also employed by the United States Postal Service of Howard City as a Rural Mail Carrier from 1968 until his retirement in 1994.
Larry's hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping and traveling, and vegetable gardening. He loved going to the casino and spending time with Betty and his children and grandchildren. Larry was a tinkerer, and enjoyed going above and beyond recycling by making new things out of old.
Larry is survived and will be deeply missed by his children, Terri Fifield of Pierson Township, Tammy Finn of Grand Rapids, Bill (Jackie) Goerner of Trufant and his "third daughter" Cheryl (Todd) Knight of Howard City; seven grandchildren, Jackie Finn, Michael Finn, Austin and Aubrey Goerner, Kyle Sickelsteel and Darshelle Stevens, and Reanna (Nate) Dawson; two great-grandchildren Kohen and Soren Dawson; two brothers John (Goldie) Goerner of Morley, and Fritz (Judy) Goerner of Howard City; several nieces and nephews and a host of many friends and extended family members.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-five years Betty Goerner; his parents Clarence and Helen Goerner; and one brother James Goerner.
A funeral service to celebrate Larry's life has been scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview. The family will receive friends at a visitation scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview.
Memorial contributions in Larry's honor can be made to The Arc of Kent County, 2922 Fuller NE Suite 201, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505.
What’s your fondest memory of Larry "Pork" Wayne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Larry "Pork" Wayne?
Share a story where Larry "Pork" Wayne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Larry "Pork" Wayne you’ll never forget.
How did Larry "Pork" Wayne make you smile?