Lawrence Eckoff Obituary
Lawrence Eckoff, 89, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville following a recurrence of cancer.
Larry was born May 7, 1935 in Coloma, Michigan to Louis and Mabel Eckoff. He and his younger brother Ron grew up on the fruit farms where their father worked. Since Lou and Mabel’s extended families lived in Ohio and Illinois, the Eckoff family became part of a tight-knit community at the Watervliet Methodist Church. Larry graduated from Coloma High School in 1953 and studied engineering at the University of Michigan for three years. He volunteered for service in the US Army and spent a year in military hospitals recovering from pleurisy, which he contracted during basic training. Soon after his medical discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Arent. Before her passing in 2021, they enjoyed sixty-four years of marriage, raising three daughters.
He thrived as a fruit farmer in Coloma and grew apples, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries. He began farming with his father in the late 1950s and eventually took over the family farm. After Larry’s retirement in 2000, he continued caring for some fruit trees he had planted near the house and he also kept a vegetable garden and did his own yard work through 2024. Every fall Larry and his farming buddy Kevin Kniebes pressed apple cider, which they froze for use throughout the year. He delighted in sharing produce with friends and family and imparting his knowledge about growing fruits and vegetables.
Larry was an avid sports fan and faithfully cheered on his Michigan Wolverines and Detroit sports teams through all of their highs and lows. He also enjoyed playing sports. Having played basketball in high school, Larry continued playing throughout his life. He played in pick-up basketball games in the school gym a couple of mornings a week until he was sixty-eight. He also played softball in a church league and recreational volleyball games. His pickleball career ended when he broke his hip during a game shortly after his 87th birthday. In addition to sports, he enjoyed travelling, learning new things, lending a helping hand, making applesauce and zucchini bread.
Larry was an active member of the Coloma United Methodist Church for nearly seventy years, handing over the responsibilities as Finance Chair in early 2025. He had previously held many other leadership positions at the church, including chair of Trustees, the Administrative Board, and Staff-Parish Relations. For twenty years following his retirement, he volunteered at HOPE Resources food pantry, picking up food and helping to restock the shelves. He also volunteered as a mentor to elementary school students through Kids Hope after his retirement.
He was a devoted caregiver to his parents in their later years, and also to his wife Mary Lou following her stroke in 2009. He was known for his sense of humor, leadership through example, optimistic outlook, and sense of responsibility. You could always count on him to do the right thing and to make you want to do the right thing.
Larry is survived by his three daughters: Janet (William) Peart of Davisburg, Mich., Judy (Steve) Alspach of Chicago, Ill., Diane (Jeff) Simon of Goshen, Ind.; five grandchildren: Eric (Naomi) Peart of Newport News, Va., Jillian Simon of Indianapolis, Ind., Bethany Simon of Lafayette, Ind., Kevin (Allison) Peart of Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Rebecca Peart of Davisburg, Mich.; four great-grandchildren: Catriona, Mairi, Elizabeth, & Eric Jr., and another great-grandson who is due on Larry’s upcoming birthday. Also surviving are his brother Ronald (Barbara) Eckoff of Cumming, Ia., and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 am at the Coloma United Methodist Church with a luncheon following. The family will begin receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Interment of ashes will be in Coloma Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Coloma United Methodist Church, HOPE Resources or other food pantry, or another charity selected by the donor.
Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
