Lawrence Prokop

Lawrence C. "Larry" Prokop Died August 28, 2015 Lawrence Clement "Larry" Prokop, 72, of Bellaire, died at his home Friday, August 28, 2015. Larry was born July 13, 1943, the youngest child of Frank and Anna (Apfel) Prokop, in Detroit. He was united in marriage with Linda Dawson on October 24, 1970, at United Methodist Church in Central Lake. Larry attended LaSalle High School in Detroit and graduated from Bellaire High School. Larry was a veteran of the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Staff Seargant. He served in the Vietnam War and was discharged honorably as a combat wounded veteran in 1969. Larry earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Larry served in the Army from Dec. 19, 1963 until Dec. 25, 1969. To his brothers from Vietnam, Larry was forever "Prepared and Loyal." Larry loved his family, and was proud of his colorful and lively clan, including his siblings, Mary Ann, Lucille, Frank Jr., and Shirley. Linda and Larry always wanted a large family, and they were blessed with Peter in 1971. Though they had no more children together, Linda and Larry hosted a generation of local children at their home daycare, and Peter was never lacking a playmate. The deeply bonded trio of Larry, Linda and Peter was exemplified by the family fishing boat named "Pelada," a combination of their first names. Larry was a loving husband and father; his extended family of in-laws, friends and dear neighbors meant everything to him. Larry Prokop's passion in life was fishing. While some may have considered Larry's fishing an obsession bordering on illness, they needed to understand that his endless hours of warm water fishing was merely a hobby in his eyes. His true passion was fly fishing, and he was living the Trout Bum lifestyle long before it became more mainstream. While hours were spent discussing the virtues of flies and insect hatches, his sermons on the perils and possible damnation of the angler casting a Royal Wulff were priceless. He also was an incredibly generous man. He was generous with his knowledge, his time, and his money, especially when it came to introducing children to the outdoors and the joys of fishing. He helped found Kids Fishing Day in Bellaire in 1975, with members of the Bellaire Conservation Club. Area conservation groups helped stock the Pond at Meadowbrook in Bellaire with thousands of fish, and hundreds of kids showed up every year for the fun. Larry also had a great love for upland bird hunting and his succession of English Setters who provided mirth, companionship, and the opportunity to test one's patience on a daily basis. Larry is survived by his son, Peter (Alison) Prokop; grandson, Arthur; Siblings, Frank Jr., Lucille and Shirley, his in-laws, The Dawson family; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He loved all of you deeply. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Kay (Dawson) Prokop; his sister, Mary Ann; his parents and grandparents; and his last dog, Riley James. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at Lakeview Cemetery in Bellaire. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bellaire Conservation Club, c/o Kids Free Fishing Day, P.O. Box 177, Bellaire MI, 49615. Arrangements are being made by Mortenson Funeral Home of Central Lake.