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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Larry Dean Seratti, age 76, local businessman, passed away quietly October 6, 2023, at his home in Norway, MI.
He was born April 28, 1947, in Baraga, MI son of Joseph “Jocko” and Eileen (Ross) Seratti. Larry graduated from Baraga High School in 1965 and attended Suomi College in Hancock. He was a member of the Baraga National Guard. He was activated during the Detroit riots. He married Lorraine Nevala on August 12, 1967, at St. Ann Church in Baraga, MI.
Larry operated Malvasio Vending of Marquette and later acquired JB Vending of Iron Mountain which has been in operation for 38 years. Prior to his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed many years of service to the employees of Grede Foundry.
During his operation of Malvasio Vending in Marquette, Larry was elected President of the Golden Wildcat Club. His efforts to promote athletics at NMU resulted in fundraising of nearly $400,000 each year. He was especially proud of his success in securing funding for women’s sports at NMU.
As a businessman, Larry felt the need to improve education to maintain a well-trained workforce. With bi-partisan support in the Legislature, he created the Public Enrichment Foundation. With millions of dollars in donated books and other educational materials, the Foundation provided millions of dollars in free books to needy children and senior citizens throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan. Larry served as the foundation’s executive director for 25 years.
Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many years as a member of the Rock 40 hunting lodge in Kenton, Michigan. Larry enjoyed bringing his grandchildren and family into the beautiful natural environment of the Upper Peninsula.
He leaves behind his wife, Lorraine, of 56 years; three children, Joseph Carlos Seratti of Iron Mountain, Gino Anthony (Chelsey) Seratti of Norway, Julie Maria (Gary) Tate of Chester Springs, PA; sisters, Kathy Kissel of L’Anse, MI, Phyllis LaBranche of Escanaba, MI; and sister-in-law Shirley Seratti of Waterford, MI. Larry and Lorraine have also been blessed with four granddaughters, five grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Eileen; an infant daughter, Angela Marie; brothers, Jim Seratti of Waterford, MI and Jerry (Alyce Mae) Seratti of L’Anse. MI.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain, with Fr. Mark McQuesten officiating. A luncheon and fellowship will follow in the church hall. Interment will be on a future date in the Baraga Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Larry’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
