Obituary of Lawrence Demski

Lawrence "Larry" A. Demski Sr. January 16, 1935 - February 7, 2011 Lawrence A. Demski was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 16, 1935. He was the youngest son of the late Stanley and Helen (Michalak) Demski. Larry was a graduate of Macomber High School in Toledo where he participated in their work study program at Owens Illinois. He worked as a cabinet maker building displays and models for O.I. for 32 years. After retiring, he worked for Lettercraft as a sign maker for more than 10 years. He married the former Jane Marie Piorkowski on June 9, 1956 at St. Adalbert in Toledo. In 1978 the family moved to Erie, Michigan purchasing a small orchard on Erie Road. Larry made many friends with and enjoyed his orchard market and garage sales. He often assisted groups like the Erie K of C food program, and shared his fruit over the years with family, friends and organizations. A special thanks to Tony and Karyn for their devotion to operating the garage sales and orchard since October 2008 when Larry became ill. In 1993 Larry put his skills to work making a flute stand for his daughter. Over time he bettered his product and it became internationally known as L.A.D. Flute Stands. Larry had a knack for taking others unwanted items and making them valuable. He enjoyed challenging his family with many intricate homemade puzzles, and telling old jokes. Larry age 76 of Erie passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011. He was preceded in death by parents and sister: Dorothy Privette. To cherish his memory he leaves a wife: Jane of Erie; children: Larry (Lisa "CC") Demski Jr. of Toledo, Michael (Kristi) Demski of Erie, Lynn (Del) Clayton of Toledo, Jennifer Allen of Toledo; sisters: Louise VanValkenburg and Rose Mary "Kit" Demski of Holland, Ohio; grandchildren: Kristin, Courtney and Lindsay Demski of Toledo, Casey, Cody, and Allie Clayton of Toledo, and Hannah Demski of Erie. Friends may gather from 1:00-8:00pm, Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit (734) 848-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am, Friday, February 11 at St. Joseph Church, 2214 Manhattan. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Memorials are suggested to research for colorectal cancer.