Dr. Lawrence "Larry" W. Manglitz, aged 83, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on June 12, 2022, in Grand Rapids, MI.  Larry was born in Grand Rapids on November 24th,1938, to Wilbur and Dorothy Manglitz. His earliest years were spent in Bridgman, MI before the family moved to Holland, MI where they permanently resided.

In 1957 Larry graduated from Holland High School. He then attended Goshen College in Indiana, graduating in 1961. Soon after, he embarked on a journey to Turkey where he taught at Talas American School, followed by Tarsus College in the south of Turkey. Between the years 1961 and 1965, Larry traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Southern Europe. One of his favorite places was Ibiza, Spain, where he spent his summers. A lover of travel, Larry returned to Turkey, Spain, England, and the Czech Republic many times throughout his life. After his time in Turkey, he returned to Grand Rapids to teach at South High School. In 1968 Larry began teaching at Grand Rapids Community College where he remained for the duration of his career until his retirement in 2002. He also earned an MA from the University of Michigan, and a Ph. D in Literature from Michigan State University.

For many years, Larry was active at St. Marks's Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, where he joyfully gave of his time and talents, particularly creating flower arrangements and delivering service readings. He had a special love for teaching, for books, and for reading and writing poetry. His nieces fondly remember building drip sandcastles with him on the beach during the Michigan summers. At home, Larry devoted much time to cultivating his inspiring gardens. He loved his cats, antiquing, and sharing his culinary skills with family, friends, and students. Larry never missed a chance to recount wonderful, animated stories about his life experiences, especially about his early years, to the delight and laughter of those around him. Larry is survived by his brother Robert Manglitz, his sister-in-law Janet Manglitz, B.J. Conrad, his two cherished nieces Kerri and Sharla, his treasured great-nephew Dante, and his beloved cat Cecilia. He is also survived by several cousins. Special gratitude goes out to his cousin, good friend and dedicated helper Mark Dykstra. Larry's family also extends their sincere thanks to the caring staff at Porter Hills Village. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 21 at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 134 Division Ave. N, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 with visitation prior to the service from 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm. A light lunch will be provided after the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Larry's memory may be made to the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, grcc.edu/donate, or to Second Chance Cats of West Michigan, 1120 Knapp, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.