Laurance J. Van Tuyl Jr.

Laurance Jenness Van Tuyl Jr. passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024. Born in Women’s Hospital in Detroit, MI, on November 17, 1939, he was the second child and only son of Laurance Jenness Van Tuyl Sr. and Dorothy (Hall) Van Tuyl.

Larry grew up in Detroit and attended Redford High School where he excelled in scholarship, leadership, and athletics. Notably, he was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the January graduating class. Larry also earned All-American honors in swimming and was recognized as the outstanding athlete of his class in his senior year. It surprised no one that he later enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University Michigan after hearing him say, “I like taking things apart.” However, it surprised some people that he declined an invitation to join the swim team.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1962, Larry was employed by IBM, the Ford Motor Company, and Xerox Data Systems. The pinnacle of his professional career, however, was spent at Full Service Network (FSN), an IT services and consulting company in Cincinnati, which he joined in the mid-1990s. As a co-owner and VP of Sales and Marketing, he helped to increase the company’s value significantly. He retired from FSN in 2009 and, after a non-compete agreement ended in 2016, worked part-time in another IT services business with a former FSN colleague.

Larry filled his life with activities and experiences that expanded his knowledge and understanding of the world and fed his curiosity. Reading was a favorite pastime, and his reading list included everything from espionage novels and biographies to online newspapers and technical reports. Blessed with a prodigious memory, Larry was a walking reservoir of knowledge. Especially appreciated was his ability to explain with remarkable clarity how something worked.

Larry always enjoyed traveling, both in the US and abroad. His favorite destination by far was the Van Tuyl family cottage in northern Michigan, a place where he spent time during the summers since his childhood. He loved walking on the Lake Michigan beaches, watching spectacular sunsets, and sailing on Crystal Lake.

A natural athlete, Larry had a passion for sports throughout his life. He played flag football, tennis, golf, softball, and racquetball at various times of his life. In fact, he met his wife Janice in the early 1990s at Midtown Athletic Club. She recalls hearing his yells and grunts as he made and missed shots playing racquetball. Larry continued playing until his late seventies, at times defeating opponents in their forties and fifties. Throughout his life with Janice, there was a regimen of watching sports in person or on TV with her, especially football, basketball, tennis, and golf.

In many ways Larry lived his life as he played sports, boldly taking on challenges armed with a strong will to succeed. He encountered setbacks but always relentlessly forged ahead with renewed energy and a positive attitude. Likewise, Larry never gave up on family and friends when they faltered or failed but encouraged and supported them. As such, he was a great role model and mentor for people from all walks of life. Inspired to serve more in the community while attending Every Nation Cincinnati Church with Janice, Larry signed up as a mentor and tutor in a City Gospel Mission program for several years.

Larry leaves behind a family that he cherished above all else. They will miss his unconditional love, strength of character, endless generosity, and abundant wisdom. Although he thrived on interactions with people, none were more enjoyable to him than those with his family. It was a joy for Larry to do whatever he could so that their lives might be satisfying and productive. He was especially proud of Janice and the people their six children had become. 

Larry is survived by his wife of 21 years, Janice Brown Walker; children Cynthia (Reed) Breland, Gretchen Kolbezen, Tracey (Michael) Stein, and Laurance J. (Cassie) Van Tuyl III; stepdaughters Allison Walker and Ashley (Zennen Clifton) Walker; niece Susan (Ian) Ratner and nephews Rick (Nancy) Myers and Steve (Hrönn Sveinsdottir) Myers; grandchildren Erin (Chris McMahon), Shelby (Jak Hutchinson), Nicholas, Hunter, Gracen, Jackson, Jada, Coral, and Laurance IV; great-granddaughter Laine; and other relatives and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Norma Meyers, granddaughter Dylyn Kolbezen, and ex-wives Brenda Telfer Harahan and Susan Wottowa Stevens.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Laurance J. Van Tuyl Jr., please visit our Tribute Store.