SAND CREEK – Lawrence A. Wilt, age 86, of Sand Creek, passed away early Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Hospice of Lenawee home in Adrian. He was born at home in Sand Creek on November 26, 1938, to the late Charles E. and Olive G. (Harwood) Wilt. Larry attended and graduated from Sand Creek Schools and later earned an associate degree at Michigan State University. He married the love of his life, Janis M. Munk, in Sand Creek on August 23, 1959, and they had three beautiful children together. Janis preceded him in death on November 6, 2019. He then married Beverly A. Pickles in Adrian on January 8, 2022, and she preceded him in death on August 3, 2024. Larry was a farmer his entire life.
Larry served on several boards including Sand Creek Schools, Farm Service Association (FSA), Lenawee Farm Bureau, Lenawee County Fair, and was long-time President for Sand Creek Telephone. He was an avid supporter of Sand Creek School athletics, loved the Detroit Tigers and MSU Spartans, often following the Tigers to Florida for spring training, with his wife Janis. Larry was a great jokester and storyteller. He earned the Young Farmer of the Year award in 1980 and was a member of Weston Church of the Good Shepherd. Above all, Larry loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are his children, David (Ella) and Jeffrey (Denise) Wilt and Julie (Craig) Phenicie; grandchildren, Dereck Wilt, Kriston (Anthony) Roman, Brittney (Reggie) Robinson, Erica (Ryan) Andrews, Adam Phenicie, Brittany (Kyle) Kurutz, Nick (Quinn) Wilt, Ethan (Kirsten) Phenicie, Chella (Brock Clark) Wilt, Missy Wilt, and Cody (Danielle Grisham) Wilt; and numerous great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death along with his parents and two wives was his brother Harrison (Priscilla Knisel – Wilt) Wilt; and sisters, Helen (Dr. William) Hewes and Ruth (Robert) Grimes.
Visitation for Larry will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian. Memorial services for Larry will follow on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM, also at the funeral home, with Rev. William VanValkenberg, officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery.
Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations in Larry’s memory may be given to Hospice of Lenawee or Weston Church of the Good Shepherd. The Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian is assisting the family with arrangements.