Larry Dodd

Larry L. Dodd went to be with his glorious Father on May 8, 2023, at the age of 86 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born on August 25, 1936 to Guy L and Genevieve Dodd in Ludington, Michigan. He graduated from Ludington High school in1954 and attended the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, graduating in 1960. He later journeyed west to Colorado State College at Greeley, and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in education and history. He began teaching 8th grade in Grand Haven, Michigan, yet he felt the need to seek adventure and do something out of the ordinary. He was accepted into the Department of Defense Overseas School system and taught in Okinawa. From 1961-1972, he taught in a variety of Department of Defense schools in Germany (Wurzburg, Heidelberg, Stuttgart). His overseas teaching also included Goose Bay, Labrador, Newfoundland. He then assumed the role of Social Studies Coordinator for all of the European military dependent schools. He was initiated into Phi Delta Kappa in 1968 (Karlsruhe Field Chapter). While in Germany, he met his true love, companion, friend and lover, Donna L. Simkins. They were married on July 27, 1968, and returned to Germany. In 1972, they moved back to Michigan and found their home in Traverse City. Four years later, Donna and Larry adopted a daughter, Jennifer. Larry and his teaching partner developed a course called Global Perspectives which was published and drew attention from the Michigan Department of Education in Lansing. Larry has received many awards and acknowledgements such as TCEA/MEA’s Outstanding Person in Education (1992-93), GBTA/MEA-Retired’s Outstanding Person (2003-04), and outstanding Optimist club/distinguished Service Award celebrating 18 years of exceptional service in 2022. He was very involved in both Leelanau County and Grand Traverse County, serving as treasurer of the Acme Civic Association, and its President. He was active in the Leelanau County Democratic Party, chairing various committees. He was part of the MEA Retired, serving on the Public Relations Committee and the Legislative/Political Involvement Committee along with its statewide Board of Directors. Larry also served as President and Vice President of the Grand Traverse Bay Area MEA-Retired. In 2004. Larry joined the Optimist Club, an organization whose mission is “bringing out the best in kids.” Larry was the club’s secretary which kept him busy writing a weekly newsletter. He enjoyed their Monday meetings and felt they were a great “family” dedicated to their mission. Although Larry was involved in so many things to make the world a better place, he felt he made the biggest impact as an educator. He finished his teaching career in 1993 after 32 years. As avid travelers, Larry and his wife, Donna, have been around the world from Asia to Africa and several parts of Europe. He is survived by his wife Donna; daughter Jennifer Cole (Bill); grandchildren Masyn, Brody and Remington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brody’s Be Cafe, a coffee shop founded by Larry’s daughter that employs individuals with disabilities. You can do this by visiting www.brodysbecafe.com and clicking on the donate button at the bottom of the first page. Donations may also be made to the Traverse City Optimist Club or Leelanau County Democratic Party in honor of Larry. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 AM with a short visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. This will be held at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home located at 305 6th St. in Traverse City, Michigan.

Larry Dodd

August 25, 1936 - May 8, 2023