Nowell Smith LaRock's Obituary
Big Rapids - Nowell S. LaRock Jr. of Big Rapids ran his last marathon in life and was met at the finish line by God and His wife, Lucy on May 15, 2023, at the age of 93. Nowell was born in Big Rapids on May 7, 1930, to Nowell LaRock Sr. and Coral LaRock (Toman). He graduated from Big Rapids High School.
Nowell married his sweetheart, Lucile Fortin, January 9, 1954, and they shared a wonderful 64 years together until Lucy's death in May of 2018. They raised three children, John, Jim, and Annette.
Nowell enlisted in the Army in June of 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956. During his service he was stationed in Germany as a Field Radio Repairman. After his time in the Army, Nowell made his career at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company where he worked as a Radio Technician until his retirement in 1989.
Nowell was known as Papi Doodle or Papa Totem by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved the outdoors, bird watching, woodworking and helping his daughter with many projects. He was a man of many talents. He believed in doing things the right way the first time.
Nowell had a passion for running. He put many miles into his training for races anywhere from 5ks to marathons. After retiring, Nowell and Lucy traveled the world with Marathon Tours. He ran in Bermuda, The Bahamas, Sweden, and Montreal, along with places within the United States including Honolulu, HI. Along their travels, they also visited Rome with a group from St. Mary's where they were able to meet the Pope and visit many Holy Shrines.
Nowell is survived by his sons, John (Marika) of Tucson, AZ and Jim (Kathy) of Sparta, MI; his daughter Annette of Big Rapids; grandchildren, Christopher (Doris) LaRock, Michael (Miranda) LaRock, Tammy (Doug) VanHouten, Jeromy (Melissa) LaRock, Danielle Hyde, and Nicole (Kyle) Kantz along with 12 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way. Nowell was preceded in death by his loving wife Lucy, his parents, Aunt and Uncle, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Mass of the Resurrection will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., with Father Dan DePew as Celebrant. Nowell's family will greet friends at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Nowell will be laid to rest with Lucy at Highland View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Meceola Currie Comfort Home, Riley MacKenzie Fund, or St Mary's Parish in his name. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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