Lawrence Edward Svendsen

SVENDSEN, Lawrence E. "Lars"
Kalamazoo, MI

Died peacefully on June 23, 2020 at his home after a 2+ year battle with cancer. Lars was born March 25, 1949 and grew up on a farm in Lyons, Nebraska, a son of Andrew "Snooks" and Wilma (Guill) Svendsen. He attended the University of Nebraska and Western Michigan University.

Lars served six years in the Air National Guard, honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent Aeromedical Specialist. He began his career in Management at Continental Restaurant Systems. He then went into the publishing business as owner and publisher of Michigan Auto Trader, and later The Auction Exchange & Collector's News. In the 90s he worked for Hebdo Mag International as the General Manager of Eastern Canadian Operations in Montreal. Lars also owned and managed a 100-foot schooner called "Challenge" out of Toronto Harbor and Lake Ontario.

On March 19, 2004, Lars was united in marriage to Sharon C. (Falvey) Svendsen. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a proud grandfather. He spent many happy years living on Pine Lake, enjoying time with friends and family.

Lars was a pilot, a sailor, an avid reader of anything, especially history, politics and archeology, as well as a great storyteller. He loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Denmark, Ireland, El Salvador, Bulgaria, Japan, China and many others. He was also a lifetime loyal fan of Nebraska Football.

Lars was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Steven Svendsen. He is survived by his wife Sharon; 4 children, Alina Svendsen of Grand Rapids, Christine (Geoff) Lindberg of Kalamazoo, Jason (Andrea) Carter of Rochester, MI, and Stephen (Donna Eng) Carter of Grand Rapids; 7 grandchildren; Owen, Madalyn, Evan, Caleb, Cameron, Eloise and Sharon; a sister, Carol Svendsen of Lyons, NE; a brother, Robert (Veronica) Svendsen of Tulsa, OK; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or to West Michigan Cancer Center. Please visit Lars' personalized webpage for online guestbook or to leave a condolence. https://www.langelands.com