Larry Lee Schmeling, age 79, of Manistee, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Medi-Lodge of Ludington, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on April 25, 1947 in Manistee, the son of the late Charles J. and Selma G. (Janowiak) Schmeling. He was a 1965 graduate of Manistee High School and a Veteran of the United States Army. On October 14, 1966, he married Sandra Kay Roskoskey at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee.

Larry was employed at Morton Salt Company in the Maintenance Department, retiring on March 27, 2009, after 39 years of service. He was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee and the VFW Walsh Post #4499. He was a past member of the St. Joe Civic Club & American Legion Post #10.

Larry coached his sons' baseball teams and enjoyed watching them play, as well as his grandson's sporting events. Although Larry didn't enjoy hunting himself, he cherished the time he spent with his two sons doing what they loved most. He would gladly take them out hunting and watch from afar, sitting comfortably in the truck with a beer or two in hand.

Other hobbies and fun times included playing Pinochle with his brothers and sisters, bowling with friends, watching the Lions and Tigers, and spending time at the Casino with his wife. He sure had a special way of making friends and loved his family; most of all, making his wife laugh. His warm sense of humor, and boyish grin and jokes will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandy, of almost 60 years; two sons, Scott (Julie) Schmeling, and Steve (Kathleen) Schmeling; grandchildren, Elise (John) Chalko, Ashley (Adam) Pilecki, Kylie (Michael) Kepes, Tad (Jenny Ryan) Schmeling, & Carly (Kenneth) Davis, Angel (Ryan) Newman, Justin (Danielle) Hooker, and Nicolas (Lexi) Krieger; great-grandchildren, Kenneth, Colt, Anderson, Hudson, Coleson, Elaine, Viola, Jace, Stella, & Isabella; and sister-in-law, Carol Schmeling; He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his sisters, infant Charlene Schmeling, Rogene Kieszkowski, Jeannette Tyczkowski, and Audrey Cabot; brothers, William, Robert "Tiny," and John Schmeling; grandson, Chad Joseph Hooker; nephews, Todd Schmeling and James Kieszkowski; and niece, Julie Coopshaw.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 309 W Parkdale Avenue, Manistee, MI 49660, with Pastor Rich Chasse' of Crossroads Community Church in Scottville officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 Noon until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Larry's name may be directed to STOMP Out Cancer Fund - www.soc-fund.org

Oak grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Manistee, is in charge of arrangements.
www.oakgrovefh.com