"Larry, you were one of the first people I met when I stepped onto the field in the fall of 67. Larry, can I get a fresh towel? You said,"use the one I gave yesterday"LOL. I just saw Larry for the induction ceremony this past Sept; we sat together on the float and had a hell of a time. I will miss you eh! My deepest condolences to the family and all of his great friends. I am very saddened to hear.......Thanks to Geoffrey Sitkoski for letting me know."
In loving memory of
LARRY J. HEISKANEN
July 22, 1948 - October 13, 2016
Larry J. Heiskanen, 68, of Marquette, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, October 13, 2016 at U.P. Health System-Marquette from an apparent heart attack.
Larry was born on July 22, 1948 in Marquette to Henry and Ruth (Maki) Heiskanen and was a lifelong area resident. A 1966 graduate of Negaunee High School, Larry also attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He also worked toward a Master's Degree at NMU.
Larry was employed for many years at NMU as Director of Development-Athletics and as Equipment Manager for NMU Hockey. He was also self-employed with Windbreaker Sports.
In his free time, Larry was an avid golfer, walker, enjoyed playing poker, and was an avid Green Bay Packer, Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Cubs fan.
Larry was a member of the Marquette County Junior Golf Board, the NMU Blue Line Club, and was a lifetime member of both the NMU "N" Club and the Negaunee Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Marquette Golf Club for many years. Recently, Larry was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame with the 1967 Football team.
Larry was a well-known member of the community and a regular coffee clutch attendee at the Third Base Bar and Java Bay. He attended St. Peter Cathedral.
Survivors include his wife, the former Chris Santilli whom he married on August 18, 1978 at Guardian Angel's Catholic Church in Crystal Falls; one daughter, Tricia Heiskanen of Chicago, IL; one sister, Susan (Robert) Nyman and their children, Lori Dachelet and Bradley (Jill) Nyman of Greenville, MI; a brother, Tom (Kathy) Heiskanen and their children, Kerri Stanaway and Traci (Paul) Dietz of Negaunee; mother-in-law, Florence Santilli of Crystal Falls; sister-in-law, Mary Kudwa and her children, Katie Kudwa and Darrin (Kim) Kudwa; brother-in-law, Bill (Sally) Santilli and their children, Tony (Lacy) Santilli and Scott (Kristina) Santilli; also surviving are several great nieces, nephews, and numerous special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, William Santilli and a brother-in-law, David Kudwa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 1 p.m. in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating and Deacon Scott Jamieson assisting. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A luncheon will take place in the parish hall immediately following.
Honorary bearers are Rick Comley, Dave Koskey, Larry Larson and Dave Lahtinen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a scholarship fund to be established in Larry's memory for NMU Hockey through the NMU Foundation or his family respectfully requests that friends please donate a pair of socks to a local homeless shelter.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Heiskanen family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"Larry was a great person and I will always remember his smile and support of NMU Hockey. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Fungo."
"I will always remember Larry when I was a student teacher under he and Brad Richards. He was a good guy with a great sense of humor!"
"I'm so sorry to read about Larry's passing...I will always remember him teasing me at the Brownstone about how good the liver and onions were...I actually just shared that story the other day! And the night he ordered cod by mistake...he was thinking of your order Chris...he was fun to tease and loved talking about hockey! He will be missed by all of us girls at the Brownstone and remembered... Love and hugs during this difficult time. Missy Mannisto"
"So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I've known him for many years as he and my brother were good friends and his parents were good friends of my parents. We will keep the family in our prayers. Jill Ruhanen Byrd"
"Mel and Terri Waisanen - Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and her entire family. Larry was a friend for many years and we always stayed in touch even after we left Marquette many years ago. Terri and I were married in their home and Chris and Larry have always had a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace Larry as one of the real good guys has found lasting peace. We miss him already."
"Dear Chris, Tricia, and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow and loss. No words can express our sympathy for you and your family. Suzanne and I became friends with Chris and Larry early in our 43 years as residents of Marquette and have enjoyed that friendship for all these years. Larry will be missed by all. Good memories will stay with us forever. We are saddened that we could not attend the celebration of Larry's life due to being out of town. God will welcome you and may you rest in peace. Love.... Michael and Suzanne Hellman"
"The only man I enjoyed 6 AM with...you were my second dad love you Lar Dog."
"Larry and I had a special relationship- he will be sadly missed by all! I have so many great memories of him! God Bless all that were touched By the great FUNGO"
"Larry will be greatly missed by all who had the chance to know him! A great man, a great friend and a pleasure to golf with. Chris and Tricia, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!"
"Larry was a very special person - I will miss him greatly. It was a joy to serve on the Marquette County Junior Golf Board with him for several years. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends."
"Dear Chris, So sorry to hear about Larry. You and your family are in our prayers."
"Chris and Tricia and family -- So sorry to read about Larry.....He was a wonderful man....great father.....and husband......so pleasant to be with! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time in your lives.....Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of Faith. It is the price of Love! Prayers for you both......Love Betsy and Steve"
"So sorry to hear of your loss. Larry was truly a unique individual who will be greatly missed by Chris ,Tricia and his extended family. His efforts to support and help his community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow."
"To the Heiskanen Family: We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You will be in our prayers. May The Good Lord Bless All Of You. Love, Your family, Wayne and Sandra Roberts."
"Larry was a great guy, who always had a smile on his face...I remember having him in 6th grade as my student teacher at Graveraet. Will miss seeing him walking every morning and dropping off gear for Athletics. Many prayers to you and your family."
"So sorry to learn of Larry's passing. Our Dan really enjoyed Larry through his years on N.M.U.'s hockey team. Although John and I did not know him well, we always enjoyed our encounters with him. It was evident he was a kind, fun loving, good natured man. Our deepest sympathy to you and Tricia."
"Dear Chris and family......Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, and love leaves a memory no one can steal. Hoping for some strength and peace being surrounded by the ones you love. Thoughts and prayers for you all during this very difficult time."
"Chris & family. Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Larry, who always greeted me pride, integrity, & Second effort, not about me but a ring I use to wear that we laughed about. A great guy. Con Yagodzinski"
"Chris, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Betty & Gordy Dybdahl"
"To the Heiskanen family, I'm sorry for your loss. I have good memories of Larry and the support he gave us while at NMU. He was always there for us. ."
"To the Heiskanen family, we are so sorry for your loss. Larry has been a very good friend for many years and it won't be the same without him. My memories are many and May God Bless your family."
"Deepest sympathy to all of Larrys family & friends. He will forever be missed and never forgotten."
"Will miss you dearly Fungo! See you on the other side."
"I was truly saddened to learn of Larry\'s passing. He had a quick wit and was passionate about everything he did, whether it was something with NMU, junior golf or anything else. My condolences to the Heiskanen family and to his many friends."
"He was the best. A friend to everyone and a servant to all. They don't come any better. I will miss him badly."
"Chris, Tricia and family. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. He was a great man. Jessica's 2nd dad. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP. Bill, Tammy and Jessica Dupras."
"Our hearts are broken. Coffee in the morning will never be the same for us. RIP dear man. Bob and Merrilee Keller"