Larry Richard Lillback

Larry Richard Lillback, 71, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

He was born August 6, 1946 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Joel and Lorraine Elizabeth (Robarge) Lillback. As a child he moved with his family from Minnesota to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school. After high school Larry honorably served his country for three years in the U.S. Air Force. Larry was an over-the-road truck driver and was last employed by Pitt-Ohio, Inc.

Larry was formerly married to Darlene Maddox and Julie James. Surviving are three sons, Steven John (Danielle) Lillback of Mequon, WI, James Alan (Kim Jrolf) Lillback of South Milwaukee, WI, Cody Alexander Lillback of Springfield, MI; a daughter, Heather Donavan of Battle Creek; six grandchildren, Cory Richard Lillback, Jessica Nicole Lillback, Nicholas Lillback, Amber Nicole Mulhern, MaKiaya Kissinger, Gage Mills; five great-grandchildren, Anthony Lillback, Brooklyn Lillback, Sawyer Lillback, Lillianna Lillback, Braycen Mulhern; brother, Gregory (Michelle) St. John of Ceresco, MI; nephews, Chris Lillback, Dan Burrows; cousins, Rick (Theresa) Hagar, Ronnie Hagar, Bob Robarge; best friend, Marty Mageria and many extended family and friends that Larry dearly loved. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Joel Lillback; mother, Lorraine; stepfather, Joseph St. John, a brother, Bruce Lillback, and his grandfather, John R. Robarge.

Larry was born to track, hunt deer and bear, and camp. He made his own bows and arrows, reloaded ammo, was accomplished at about anything he put his mind to including leatherwork and taxidermy. At one time he owned Larry's Sport Shop at Sonoma Lake. Larry was a devoted father who instilled hard work and self-discipline. He loved his entire family and will be remembered by sons Steve and Jim as their hunting buddy and best friend; and by his son, Cody for all the time spent at the target practice range with his Dad. Larry introduced and shared his love of the outdoors, hunting and camping with his brother, Greg and many others. Larry loved the outdoors and nature; and he taught everyone to be ethical respectful outdoorsmen. Larry's sons and fellow hunters will carry Larry's spirit with them on every hunt, every year.

Friends will be received 3:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral services to celebrate Larry's life will be held 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.