Larry Broker, 78

Larry Thomas Broker, age 78, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

He was born July 12, 1946 in Sturgis, the son of Andrew and Ellen (Fritz) Broker, but became a Three Rivers Wildcat as a kindergartener at Ruth Hoppin School. He attended Hoppin through seventh grade after which he began as an eighth-grader at Three Rivers High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1964.

An active young man, Larry participated in Cub Scouts, and 4-H, where he showed horses from age 5 through 18. He was a member of the Hobby Horse Club led by his father.

He demonstrated a work ethic from an early age, whether delivering newspapers at age 10 or baling hay during the summers on farms (including those of his Grandpa Fritz and uncles). His career included Wittenberg and then White’s News Agency (where he met the love of his life), Standard Steel, Three Rivers Rubber, Johnson Corporation, Wells Index, Michigan Electric, and All-Phase Electric, where he did outside sales and electrical engineering. He especially enjoyed the opportunity to travel to Israel, Germany, Spain, China, and Taiwan, while working at Wells Index.

Larry shared his talent on the guitar playing for Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for more than 50 years. He also could be found providing music for weddings, sing-alongs, and the Three Rivers Community Players.

He loved participating in car shows and cruises, and was a member of the Three Rivers C.A.R. Club. He drag raced with his ’55 Chevy, and also had a ’28 Model A, ’71 Cutlass, ’64 Ford Fairlane, and an ’80 Suburban.

Larry’s other hobbies included fishing on his bass boat; hunting deer, turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels; photography; and computers.

He served as a Three Rivers city commissioner for six years, presented at the Worldwide Marriage Encounter for four years, was a senior youth group minister, and lifetime member of the Three Rivers Elks.

On April 16, 1966 Larry was united in marriage to Mary L. White. They enjoyed an annual fall “pilgrimage” to Mackinaw City, shooting archery, and attending car races. As a family, they enjoyed camping, highlighted by his 24-hour campfires.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary L. Broker; daughter, Loreene (John) Kemperman; son, Jay (Jennifer) Broker; brother, Terry (Diane) Broker; sister-in-law, Joan (Carl) Bartholomew; grandchildren, Ava, Lucas, and Amelia Broker, and Eric Kemperman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Richard Broker.

His family will receive friends Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial mass will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:00 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 645 S. Douglas Ave., Three Rivers, with Fr. R. Mathias officiating. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Donations in Larry’s memory may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home.