Lawrence J. Wanic
BARK RIVER — Lawrence J. Wanic, 74, of Bark River, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Hospital.
He was born on September 10, 1949 in Escanaba, son of Louis I. and Mary A. (Kaszycki) Wanic. Larry was raised in LaBranche and graduated from Bark River Harris School in 1967. He then graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Masters and Education Specialist degrees.
On November 20, 1970, Larry married the former Susan M. Johnson at St. Michael’s Church in Perronville.
Larry was the community school director in Powers beginning in 1972 and then became the Bark River Harris principal. Following his retirement in 2005, he filled in as the superintendent at Holy Name School for one year. Larry was fortunate to begin his job at Sweetgrass Golf Club when they opened in 2008. With his love for golf, he enjoyed being a starter and ranger for the course.
Larry was a weather observer for the National Weather Service, reporting to them every morning. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved fly fishing. As president of the Escanaba River Association, he oversaw annual restocking of trout in the Escanaba River in coordination with the DNR and local authorities.
Among survivors are his wife, Susan Wanic of Bark River; two sons, Jason (Mariah) Wanic of Brimley and Jordan Wanic of Bark River; granddaughter, Caitlin Wanic; mother-in-law, Izetta Johnson of Powers; brothers-in-law, Thomas (Mary Alice) Johnson of Green Bay, WI and Ronald Johnson (Dawn) of Madison, AL; sister-in-law, Lois Johnson (Nick Lucariello) of Glenview, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Corey in 2000 and father-in-law, Arthur J. Johnson.
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 1236 Old Hwy 2 & 41, Bark River. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with Rev. Ben Rivard officiating. A meal will follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and a memorial will be established at a later date. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.