Claude "Lary" Blamer

Claude Lawrence "Lary" Blamer of Central Lake, Michigan, passed quietly on May 18, 2024 after a prolonged battle with dementia. He was born June 23, 1940 and raised in Atlanta, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Dianne Blamer, daughter Tracey (Bryan) Holland of Alden, Michigan, daughter Gina Blamer of Central Lake, grandson Ben Holland of Boise, Idaho, and sister Mary Ann (Donald) Marlett of Atlanta, Michigan.

As a child, Lary enjoyed many sports and played basketball and baseball in school. He attended Central Michigan University and Michigan State University, completing degrees in secondary education and education administration. Lary taught for several years before moving into school administration, where he spent the last 25 years of his career as the superintendent of Central Lake Public Schools.

Upon his retirement, Lary frequently worked in the yard, spending hours on his lawn tractor mowing or blowing snow, depending on the season. He often helped neighbors with both too. He spent many hours watching college sports, particularly the Michigan State Spartans. A source of joy and frustration, depending on daily current events, was reading the newspaper. Lary always analyzed the sports section and kept abreast of important local, state, national, and world events. Finally he appreciated the view of the lake from his living room and deck, spending many hours watching boats and swans as they passed the house with one of his beloved cats at his side.

Lary loved to spend time with his family and friends. He taught his grandsons to fish, tirelessly baiting hooks and removing fish (always wearing a glove). Lary was an active member of the Central Lake Lions Club where served as a past president. He also help with Lions fund raising activities including tents and annual auctions.

Lary was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gene Blamer, his brother, Gary Blamer, and his grandson, Joel Holland.

There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends at the Mortensen Funeral Home in Central Lake on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 11 to 12 pm with a Remembrance at 12 pm and a luncheon following at the First Congregational Church of Central Lake.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.