Lawrence Plaunt, age 84, known as “Tickle Grampa” to the grandkids, went home with Jesus after a stroke on January 12, 2021 from Thornapple Manor. He loved his God, family, and many friends. One of 14 siblings born in Mackinaw City, he grew up loving the Great Lakes and worked for a time on railroad car carriers across Lake Michigan. He came ‘down under’ to find permanent work, but always missed ‘up north’. He leaves one sister, Deborah, who lives in Florida. He and Helen O’Laughlin met and never looked back. Married for 61 years, four children: Michelle Parker, Larry and Cary, Randy and Cyndi, and Penny Sue (deceased), ten grandchildren, including spouses and six great-grandchildren. He enjoyed golf. Worked for many years at FlexFab. A jack-of-all trades, he could fix anything. He lost two brothers at a young age, one was lost on Sicily in WWII and one was killed in Korea. A third brother went into the Army. He tried to enlist, but his parents stopped him. He leaves many family and friends – what more can a man ask for. He always dreamed of owning a boat, but it was out of reach, so I believe God gave me this verse: If in Heaven our dreams come true, then Larry’s in a boat out there, sailing the sky of blue. Interment will occur in the spring. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.