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Larry was born in Chicago IL to Walter and Elsie Michal on January 8, 1924. Larry passed away at his home in Charlotte, NC on June 18, 2015. He graduated from Bowen High School, and then attended Chicago Technical School studying drafting.
In May of 1943 Larry entered the army where he was a paratrooper in the 508th Parachute Infantry, part of the 82nd Airborne. After training in Ft. Benning as a parachutist he trained at Camp Croft for combat intelligence. He then went to England to prepare for the D-Day invasion. During this time as an Intelligence NCO he drew maps from aerial photos and made sand tables to assist officers to train for the invasion. He parachuted in the early morning hours of 6 June 1944. He carried the maps that were needed to establish an advance command post.
As an Intelligence Observer he collected and evaluated information on enemy forces and dispositions and relayed this back to the command, often being on foot behind enemy lines. Larry was shot on 25 June 1944, 19 days after landing in Normandy. He was awarded the Purple Heart, bronze battle star and the French Legion of Honor among other citations.
After the war, he worked at various jobs including the railroad in California, Tucker Automobile, and International Harvester. Larry met Lillian Stromgren and they married on April 24, 1948. They had their first two children in Chicago and moved to Lindstrom Minnesota in 1956. Here he bought and ran a Pure Oil gas station and then started with Whirlpool in St. Paul designing ice cube makers. They had their third child in Minnesota. After 29 years with Whirlpool he retired then moved to Charleston SC and then Charlotte NC.
He is survived by his wife Lillian, of 67 years, daughter Laura (Jim) Hawkins, son Steve (Susan) and daughter Kimberly (Jim) Thibault. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Michal & Kiel Hawkins, Eric & Kevin Michal and Kirsten Thibault as well as his brother Kenneth Michal and sister Shirley Beier.
There will be a Memorial Service held on Thursday June 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Morning Star Lutheran Church, ( 12509 Idlewide Rd., Matthews, NC).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 634, (7861 Tottenham Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075-8358) or to, Morning Star Lutheran Church in memory of Mr. Michal, (12509 Idlewide Rd., Matthews, NC).
Carolina Cremation of Charlotte is assisting the Michal family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Sandra & KC Day...Doran Lambert & Family says
We had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful man…our hearts are heavy and our prayers are many. May your memories and the love he gave to you help in your grieving. May the strength of your loved ones and God give you peace at this difficult time.
Much love to all the Family.
Sandra Day & Family
Mike & Carolyn Stubbs says
We had the honor of Larry being a member of our Military Order of the Purple Chapter, from the first time I met Larry, it was an inspiration to be associated with Larry, always had a smile on his face, he liked everyone and everyone liked Larry
Robert J. Blok, Sr. says
RIP Patriot Larry Michal. One of the members of the “Best Generation” that saved the world from Nazi domination in WWII.
May God keep you in his loving hands and give everlasting peace to your family.
Mary Toman says
My sympathy to all the family. Larry has been part of our family since his marriage to Lil in 1948 and we have shared so many memories. I am grateful that he and Lil had the opportunity to celebrate his service to the country, courtesy of Whirlpool last summer, and as part of it, to be able to come spend a few days with me. His trip back to Normandy meant so much to him and so glad Steve got to share this special time with him.
Shirley A. Beier says
God has blessed my brother Larry with a long life so he was able to raise and enjoy his children and and watch his grandchildren grow up. He served his Country with pride and honor, now he has been called home to serve our Lord. He will always be missed and loved by his family and friends. God Bless his family and they morn his loss.
Love Shirley
Carol Sandgren Dahlquist says
Larry was so modest it was not until I read his obituary that I learned he operated behind enemy lines and received the French Legion of Honor among other medals.
Forever trim (push-ups every morning) Larry remained forever young. He was granted an extra year of life so he could be part of the Honor Flight to France last year.
I salute his memory.
The Dinnsen Family says
Our family mourns the passing of Lar but we rejoice remembering his full life. Lar set a great example of being a father and a friend for his children to follow. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Bob, Connie and Family
Cynthia Kushell says
I first met Mr. Michal about 17 years ago
while working at a H&R Block Tax service.
After I had left H&R Block I received a phone call from him asking me if I would please continue to prepare his taxes for him. I looked forward to seeing him every year and we would talk sometimes for hours catching up with what has been going on all year. I enjoyed hearing all about his war stories and healthy remedies. I will surely miss him. I always told him how much he reminded me of my grandfather.