Larry Jay Shadle, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on May 16 at Stevensville United Methodist Church at 11am, with visitation at 10am.
Larry was born September 17, 1943, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Ivan, Sr. and Paula (Mersch) Shadle. He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1961 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa), and a master’s degree in education at Western Michigan University. On August 17, 1968, Larry married the love of his life, Joan Campion, in Royal Oak, MI.
Larry had a strong work ethic. In his youth, he held a paper route and worked at a bicycle shop. Always the educator, Mr. Shadle taught auto shop at St. Joseph High School for 30 years. He also taught Driver’s Ed. to hundreds of students. Mr. Shadle went above and beyond to help his students with after-hours car advice, often receiving phone calls at home. Upon his retirement, Mr. Shadle recognized that his wife deserved to retire as well. He took over all of the household cooking responsibilities, including family holiday feasts.
Larry lived a life filled with helping others and serving his community. He was a devoted member of Stevensville United Methodist Church for 50 years. For him, this included maintaining the building, cooking meals for church events, and building furniture for the church. He also used his love of woodworking to craft handmade, thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Larry and his family spent 40 summers at their cottage in Bear Lake, Michigan, along with several other St. Joe teachers. He could fix or build anything! He even built a car, piece by piece. Larry was a Boy Scout and a Boy Scout Leader. He volunteered at Berrien Teachers Credit Union for over 20 years.
Known for his joy and laughter, Larry often had a twinkle in his eye or a mischievous grin on his face. He was incredibly strong, both in character and in physical ability. He balanced that strength with love and tenderness toward his family. Larry’s greatest joy came from time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren He was always ready with a big hug. He could often be found playing games with the kids, teaching them to cook, and proudly attending their concerts and sporting events.
Larry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Joan Shadle, of St. Joseph; daughters, Nancy (Terry) Batch of North Muskegon, MI and Bonnie (John) Craig of Stevensville; grandchildren, Adam, Laura (Jacob), Kyle, Hannah, and Kathryn; sister-in-law Vanita Shadle, brother, James Shadle, many special nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend Monte Feuerhelm. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by siblings Kathryn (Alfred) Fowler, Ivan Shadle, Jr., and Marjorie (Owen) Erstad.
Those wishing to leave condolences online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Stevensville United Methodist Church, or to Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.
Memorial Contributions
Stevensville United Methodist Church
Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel
Service Details
Visitation
When
May 16th, 2026 10:00am – 11:00am
Where
Stevensville United Methodist Church
Address
5506 Ridge Rd.
Stevensville, MI 49127
Service
When
May 16th, 2026 11:00am
Where
Stevensville United Methodist Church
Address
5506 Ridge Rd.
Stevensville , MI 49127