Larry Levengood

We sadly announce the passing of Larry Levengood; the Man, the Myth, the "Earl of Everywhere". Larry was a devoted environmentalist, iconic community volunteer, and lawn chair aficionado. He left us on October 13, 2024, after a hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

A lifelong Michigander, Larry was born in Jackson and raised in Hastings. A Biological Sciences graduate from Michigan Technological University, he later moved to Charlevoix and worked for 41 years as the Environmental Health County Supervisor.

What would the Charlevoix County Planning Commision have done without Larry’s experience and expertise for 50 years? He was proud of the leadership provided with his job at the health department and the planning commision in dealing with the 1980s groundwater contamination issue. He was instrumental in the development of a new water system for Charlevoix. He also played an integral part in collaborating with many businesses to properly handle waste to prevent future groundwater issues. Larry continued to serve on the Planning Commission long after his retirement. 

Larry’s volunteer résumé was nothing short of impressive:

- Sports Coaching: He coached Little League, youth soccer, and recreational softball.

- School Board: Served for 22 years on the Charlevoix school board.

- Football "Chain Gang": He organized volunteers to move the chains at football games for years.

- Supporter of Local Sports: A regular attendee at home and away games for all Charlevoix boys' and girls' sports.

- Keep Charlevoix Beautiful: Served as a block captain for the Petunia Project.

- Library Support: Helped reorganize the Friends of the Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library in 1999 as one of the original nineteen members and led book talks there. He was honored with the Margaret Duerr Award for his volunteer services in 2018.

In August 2015, Larry was named the Char-Em United Way Volunteer of the Month for his extensive contributions across various organizations. He believed that “you volunteer because you want to be useful and do good work in the community. It is also a lot of fun and enjoyable to be with others working toward a common goal.”

Larry had a passion for environmental projects:

- Charlevoix County Recycling Committee: An original member since its founding in 2000, he served for 12 years and volunteered twice a year for hazardous waste collection.

- Volunteered with both Tip of the Mitt and Lake Charlevoix Association, and served on the board of directors for both. 

Larry served on the Charlevoix Area Hospital Foundation's Annual Support Committee for over a decade and continued to volunteer at the hospital. Since 2010, he was a member of the 10 County Board of Directors of the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Inc., which combats poverty.

A proud member of the Charlevoix Lions Club and a charter member of the Charlevoix Elks, Larry volunteered with the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, serving as a guardian for World War II veterans on their trips to see the national monument built in their honor. 

Larry is survived by his wife, Gayle; three children, Angela (Travis) McBride, Travis Levengood, and Caleb (Liz) Levengood; four grandchildren, Linnea, Elle, Hugo, and Eleanor, who will undoubtedly endure the legacy of his dad jokes for years to come; and siblings Pamela (late Bob) Bertelson, Paul Levengood, and Janet (Tom) Miller. He also leaves behind numerous loving siblings in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends, many of whom supported the family during his illness. The family expresses deep gratitude to all who helped or offered support. Larry would have been honored at the community’s response!

Larry was predeceased in death by his parents: Joyce (Wetzel) and C. Clark Levengood; aunt: Linda (Wetzel) Clark; cousin: Michael Hawkins, and uncle: Boyd Wetzel.

In honor of Larry, let’s raise a glass (preferably a local craft beer) and remember him as the tireless volunteer who made Charlevoix better—one septic tank at a time. He’s off to the great recycling committee in the sky, where we hope they have a more organized system than his car! A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Little Traverse Harbor/Petoskey Conservancy, Tip of the Mitt Water Council, Lake Charlevoix Association, Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library, or Charlevoix Community Education Foundation—because Larry would want you to keep it local.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.