VASSAR – Mr. Larry William Putman, age 82, our proud, determined, hard-working, and kind father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at Vassar Comfort Care.

Larry was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on November 18, 1943, to Eli and Rosa Putman (née Martin). He was raised alongside his siblings Robert and Esther and graduated from Vassar High School with the class of 1962. He wed his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Auernhamer, on August 7, 1965. Together they shared countless memories, raised their daughters Brenda and Linette, and celebrated 59 years of marriage before Shirley’s passing in October of 2024. Larry and Shirley owned and operated the Vassar Building Center for many years until their retirement in 2012. He was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville. Larry was an avid fan of sports and was his grandchildren’s biggest supporter. Time spent with family was Larry’s greatest joy and he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughters, Brenda (Michael) MacKay and Linette (Brian) Redick; grandchildren, Alexis (Jeff) Walsh, Hilary (Jeremy) Schiefer, Tanner (Layne) MacKay, Bailey MacKay, Elijah (Kiyah) Redick, and Ethan Redick; great-grandchildren, Bo Walsh, Sloane Walsh, Lucille Walsh, Nola Schiefer, Willow Schiefer, Huxton Schiefer, Scout MacKay, Crew MacKay, Sadie MacKay, and Wells MacKay; sister, Esther (Allen) Thornton; brother-in-law, William Auernhamer; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Larry is reunited with his beloved wife, Shirley A. Putman; parents, Eli & Rosa Putman; and brother, Robert “Bob” Putman.

Funeral services for Larry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville, Michigan; visitation at church will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last until the time of service. Afterwards, Larry will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Lutheran Cemetery next to his beloved wife, Shirley.

Those desiring, may direct memorial donations to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville.

Kindly share a memory with Larry’s family in the guestbook below.

Larry and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. Address: 1148 W. Saginaw Road, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.

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