Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. is honored to have known Larry. For many years, Larry and Willa made a couple of trips every year to Southwest Virginia to enjoy traditional music. A proud and generous supporter of JAM, Larry spent many hours refurbishing more than 100 quality violins as donations to the organization. Also a guitar luthier, Larry once gifted a beautiful handmade dreadnought guitar to raise money for JAM. May he rest in peace.
Larry Behnkendorf of Waterford, Michigan passed away on October 9, 2023, at the age of 74; husband of Willa; survived by his brother-in-law Jim (Bev) Gay, sister-in-law Fran (Ali) Jablway, and his niece and nephew Brie and Aaron Gay.
Larry was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan First Residential College class. This education enhanced his love of learning about other people and cultures. He retired from the State of Michigan as a labor analyst, but had also worked as a railroad brakeman, pipe fitter apprentice and childcare worker. Larry really loved retirement, many cross-country road trips in the 1991 Camero, getting to know many interesting people along the way. He also built over a dozen acoustic guitars and supported youth music.
A burial for Larry will take place at All Saint Cemetery Preserve on October 11th at 11am. A Celebration of life will be held for Larry at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. Memorial donations may be made to the Junior Appalachian Musicians Inc., American Indian College Fund, or the University of Michigan Residential College.