Henry Warne

Henry Lawrence “Larry” Warne, 84, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2020, in his home. Born September 16, 1935, in Cadillac, Michigan, the son of Henry B. and Helen Marie (Schaller) Warne. Attended grade school at St. Ann’s Catholic school in Cadillac and was an altar boy at St. Ann’s Church. Larry then attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for five years. He returned to Cadillac and went to work at the Cadillac Newspaper as a printer pressman. Married Sonja Lou Benson in October 1957. They moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and he worked at the Ypsilanti Press as printer for 3 years. Larry moved his family to Niles, Michigan, taking a job at the Niles Daily Star as an ad compositor. They later divorced in 1968. Larry moved to Rockford to work for the Rockford Register Star as an ad compositor for more than 25 years. He was a union president of the Rockford Typographical Union for 10 years. Larry then married Marcia S. Slabaugh on September 16, 1972. Larry was active in union activities and was an avid volunteer for the Rockford Public schools and various senior and church groups providing Slide presentations of varied topics from National Parks to environmental issues, wildlife and cultural customs. Member of St. Rita Catholic Church. After retirement, he loved photography and later embraced digital photography. Larry loved to travel, gardening, homeowner projects, hard physical work, night hours for hobbies, work and shopping. His biggest pride was his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren and their families. He loved hard work, took pride in home projects, greatly enjoyed travel across the U.S.A. and Canada. He loved all animals. Survivors include his wife, Marcia; children, Scott M. (Renee) Warne of Three Rivers, Michigan, Shelley M. Feddema of Cadillac, Michigan, and Shawn M. Warne of Grand Haven, Michigan; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Gary Slabaugh of Canada, Bill (Suzanne) Slabaugh of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Judy (Craig) Baker of Arvada, Colorado; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Young of Davenport, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents; son, Spencer M. Warne; sister, Margaret (Roland) Canright; brother-in-law, Floyd Young; and stepson, Richard Slabaugh.

Service at 1 p.m. Monday, March 2, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from noon to service time. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church.