Larry Paul Sellers

Larry Paul Sellers, 84, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025, at French Manor, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born on August 19, 1940, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late Eugene and Velma (Paulick) Sellers. On August 31, 1963, he married the love of his life, Susan Kay Timmer. Together, they lovingly raised four wonderful children. Larry’s life was devoted to education, athletics, and service to others. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Education and his Master’s in Physical Education, and spent 36 years inspiring young people both in the classroom and on the athletic field. His teaching career began at Mount Pleasant High School (2 years), continued at Muskegon Catholic Central High School (4 years), and flourished for 30 years with Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools at St. Francis High School, where he served as a teacher, principal, and head football coach. During his 28 years coaching high school football, Larry’s dedication and leadership earned him many honors, including 13-time MHSFCA Region Coach of the Year, 3-time MHSFCA Class C Coach of the Year, and 1974 Associated Press Class C Coach of the Year. A faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church serving as a lector and eucharistic minister, Larry was also an active volunteer, giving generously of his time to the Father Fred Foundation and donating over 17 gallons of blood throughout his lifetime. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed golfing, running, and cheering for his Detroit sports teams — the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Larry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, respected educator, and truly good human being. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children Stacey (Matt) Alpers, Stephanie (Bob) Ewing, Kelly (Dave) Daciuk, and Joshua (Heather) Sellers; grandchildren Ben, Kyle (Nicole), Troy, Jason, Sophie (Dan), Mac (Lily), Lily, Tucker, Mason, Ethan, Ella, Amelia, Cameron, Cooper, Nathan, and Gabriel; his great grandchildren Evelyn, Vivian, Lillian, Charlotte, Archie and a little girl on the way; his brother, Ronald (Linda) Sellers; sister-in-law Linda O'Connell and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church from 4-7pm with a rosary prayed at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated also at Church on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Interment will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Larry Sellers Scholarship Fund at Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools or the Father Fred Foundation. Kindly share memories and condolences with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Larry Paul Sellers

August 19, 1940 - August 8, 2025