Lawrence Arthur Starr

Lawrence Arthur Starr, 91, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025 at The Haven by the Bend in South Bend, Indiana from complications of pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and other chronic conditions.

Larry was born on November 12, 1933 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Russell Clark Starr and Mabel Minnie Osborne Starr. He attended elementary school and junior high in Kalamazoo and attended high school at Spring Arbor Academy, graduating in 1951. He was active in basketball, track, and golf throughout his adolescence. After attending Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois for two years, he transferred to Western Michigan University, graduating in 1955. He earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1961 and completed additional graduate work at Michigan State University. Larry taught mathematics and coached male athletic teams at Colon High School in Colon, Michigan; Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois; Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan; and Los Alamos High School in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He later taught mathematics and supervised mathematics education majors at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois. While teaching, he co-authored a series of high school mathematics textbooks in the 1970s for Random House and served as President of the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 1977. 

He taught adult Sunday School classes and sang in the church choir for many years at Bayview Wesleyan Church in Traverse City, Michigan. After his retirement from teaching, he continued to work part time at several golf courses, constructed oak furniture in his workshop, and was a chaplain for the men’s basketball program at Spring Arbor University.

On August 8, 1953, Larry married Janette Gwynne Colber who was a steadfast partner and source of love, wisdom, and support throughout their 55 year marriage. She was also a long-time educator and beloved mother figure to many. Janette passed away in 2008. Larry’s second wife, Joanne Bushnell Starr, also preceded him in death.

Larry is survived by his three daughters: Susan Starr (Gary) Farha of Potomac, Maryland; Joyce Starr (Glenn) Johnson of Augusta, Missouri; and Laurie Starr (Patrick) Flynn of South Bend, Indiana. He was proud of his seven grandchildren: Peter (Gina) Johnson, Evan (Nicole) Farha, Griffin (Georgia) Farha, Erica Johnson, Daniel (Leslie) Flynn, Eliza Farha (Christopher) Carothers, and Helen Flynn (Liam Mackin.) He was overjoyed to have lived long enough to meet his great-grandson, Oliver Farha. Larry is also survived by his siblings, Frances (Stanley) Busch of Jenison, Michigan and Melvin (Susan) Starr of Schoolcraft, Michigan. Also surviving are Janette’s dear siblings: Myron (Laura Jane) Colber of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Judith Koblitz of Linden, TN. He is also survived by nephews and nieces: Thomas (Mona) Busch, Carolyn Busch (Thomas) Kragt, Amy Starr (Kevin) Kwilinski, Jennifer Starr (Jeremy) Reivitt, Douglas Colber, Kristin Colber (Joseph) Baker, and Gottfried (Mary) Koblitz. Larry was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Heinz Koblitz; and a nephew, Gottlieb Koblitz.

Larry’s family wishes to thank the caring staff at Holy Cross Village where he lived for four years, the devoted caregivers at The Haven by the Bend, and the indefatigable Victoria, Cathy, and the entire support staff at The Center for Hospice. Your loving care for Larry was so very helpful to our family during the past several years. To all caregivers everywhere, thank you.

“His speech was always consistent with moral virtue, And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach.” ~ The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer. In lieu of memorials, please express your gratitude to a teacher who impacted your life.

 Per the family’s wishes, no services are planned. Larry’s ashes will be interred alongside Janette’s at the Central United Methodist Church Columbarium in Traverse City, Michigan in a private family gathering at a later date.