Lawrence Kenneth Opie

Lawrence “Larry” Opie, 75, died peacefully at home on January 26 after a five-week battle with COVID-19; his children were by his side.

Larry was born on April 16, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois. He excelled in school and loved reading. Many nights, he could be found reading to his wife and children biographies of missionaries and influential Christians along with the Bible.

As a dedicated Christian, Larry served God in the church and the wider community. To others, he was known as a prayer warrior. If someone needed prayer, they could always turn to Larry. In the marketplace, he regularly organized and led Bible studies with his coworkers. He pastored several churches, including serving as an assisting minister at Cornerstone Pentecostal Church of God in Harvard late in his life. Larry’s compassionate patience ministered to many.

Through life’s twists and turns, Larry exhibited an unwavering faith and a steady persistence to keep moving forward. Caring for his daughter, Angela, who had extreme cognitive and physical disabilities, illustrated Larry’s ability to approach crises with grace and dignity. Larry cherished her and displayed great tenderness in caring for her until she died at the age of six. His perseverance was seen throughout his life, including when his second daughter died as an infant and two of his sons lost their sight.

Whether with his children, friends, or strangers, Larry believed the best about people. Larry saw people through the eyes of Jesus for what they could be. He treated everyone he encountered with decency and dignity, whether they had an important position or seemed discarded by society.

An insatiable curiosity marked Larry’s life. As a child, Larry wanted to know how things worked. For example, his mother enjoyed retelling how Larry took apart the toaster in order to find out how it worked! He continued to cultivate a love of learning throughout life.

Larry graduated from Kalamazoo College with his BA in 1967. He then pursued a Master of Divinity at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 1971. As a young minister, he served at the American Baptist camp located in Green Lake, Wisconsin as camp director. During the charismatic renewal of the 70s, he began ministering in charismatic churches. As a bi-vocational minister, he served God with dedication in ministry as well as working hard to provide for his family. As his careers transitioned over his lifetime, Larry worked in various jobs, including working for Motorola for 15 years before retiring 6 years ago.

In addition to being dedicated to God, Larry also allowed the beauty of God’s creation to captivate his heart. Whether the stars in the sky or the exquisite splendor of a flower, Larry soaked in the awe of God’s creativity. Walking along the water’s edge, whether lakes, rivers or oceans, brought him peace and joy. Larry always loved the intersection of faith and science. In his later years, he travelled around the Midwest giving seminars on faith and science with a friend.

People describe Larry as having a big, generous heart; he added love and laughter to the world. Over a lifetime, Larry was one of those “salt of the earth” people. Anyone who encountered Larry was better for it.

Larry is survived by his children: Nicholas Opie (spouse, Jodie), George Opie (Dawn), Andrew Opie (Christina), Laura Starkey (Terrence), Julianna Lucich (Russell), and Sara Johansen; grandchildren: Adrianna (Jeremy) Stull, Nicholas Opie, Samuel Opie, Nathanael Opie, Eliana Opie, Zachariah Opie, Lelia Starkey, Joy Peterman, Jannah Peterman, Justice Peterman, Jineva Lucich, Jethro Lucich, and Javelin Lucich; Mother, Ethel Opie; siblings: Carole (Bill) Thurman, Jerry (Sue) Opie, and Harvey Lueshen; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Jo Anne, children Angela Opie and Melinda Opie, father Robert Opie, and sister, Loretta Opie.

A memorial service will be held in June.

In memory of Larry, send donations to Faith Acres: https://faitha.org/