Larry Terpstra

Larry Terpstra of Central Lake, Michigan, age 82, passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and is finally standing in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
   Larry John Terpstra, was born December 18, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to John and Bertha Terpstra. He grew up in Lamont, graduating from Unity Christian High School, and receiving his degrees from Calvin University. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years during the Vietnam War, and afterwards he met and married his wife in 1970. Together they moved north to Central Lake to build their own home. Larry had a satisfying career as an electrical engineer for Honeywell earning one patent as the lead and one as a secondary inventor.
   He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy (Carroll) Terpstra; his children, Jennifer and Chris Brandsma, Benjamin and Darby Terpstra, and Natasha and Alex Hardy. Larry was also blessed with 11 grandchildren: Lillian, Willem, Trinity, Annika, and Berendt Brandsma; Ezekiel, Ellidy, Benaiah, and Hananiah Terpstra; Annabell and Theodore Hardy; sisters Nancy Kloosterhouse; Mary and Al Machiela; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon Terpstra and his wife Eileen, and his brother-in-law Bud Kloosterhouse.
   Larry was an excellent craftsman at woodworking who built beautiful things for his family. He loved reading, deep theological discussions, and history of Western Civilization. Larry's past times also included traveling the country with a real tipi, and then a Mini Winnebago later in life. He enjoyed spending time with his children and could often be found on the floor playing with his grandchildren. Larry volunteered for Habitat for Humanity building homes in the Upper Peninsula for several years after retiring. Larry had a strong Christian faith that he shared with his family, friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed.
   Relatives and friends may visit with the family for visitation on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Belltower Reformed Church in Ellsworth from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.   A Funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Cobus Manders officiating.   Interment with Military Honors will take place on Tuesday, October 27, at 1pm, at the Antioch Township Cemetery in Mesick. 

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