Larry Joseph Kezele
Larry Joseph Kezele was born in Hancock, Michigan on August 9th, 1949 to Joseph and Dorothy Kezele. Larry is the eldest brother of Michael, Duane and Karen. Growing up in Michigan, Larry enjoyed fishing, playing football, running track, and serving as Student Council President. Following his graduation as valedictorian of Hale High School in 1967, Larry served in the United States Air Force from 1968 through 1974 while earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. In 1975, Larry moved to Peoria, Illinois to begin a 24-year electrical engineering career with the Central Illinois Light Company.
In 1982, Larry met Susan Oltman while bowling with co-workers. Following a short courtship, Larry and Susan wed at Little Church of the West in Las Vegas on January 22nd, 1983. The next year in 1984, Larry and Susan were blessed with the birth of their first son, Christopher Joseph, on April 26th. Four years later, their second son, Joshua Michael, was born on August 22nd. As a sacrificially loving father, Larry spent countless hours watching his sons compete in sports, teaching them everything he knew about maintaining a car and home, and driving across the country to take his family to America’s beautiful national parks..
After 26 years in Illinois, Larry and his family moved to New Jersey where Larry finished his career as Manager of Operations for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. In New Jersey, Larry enjoyed watching Chris thrive in Special Olympics and Josh thrive as a student and cross-country runner. After 15 years on the east coast, Larry retired in 2016 and moved back to Michigan with Susan and Chris while Josh remained in New Jersey where he wed Aiyana Wilkinson in 2025.
Larry was born again as a Christian in Lansing, Michigan in 2017. Following many years of attending church and Bible studies while Susan prayed for his salvation, Larry accepted Jesus as his Savior at Trinity Church. After attending Trinity Church for several years, Larry attended and served Messiah Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan until his passing on December 13th, 2025. Though Larry’s family is saddened by his passing, there is far greater joy that Larry was saved and will be healed and at peace for eternity in Heaven.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, where his family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take Place in Pekin, Illinois.
9 Messages to “Larry Joseph Kezele”
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Jim Castle
December 14, 2025 at 9:54 pmSue, Chris, Josh, I’m so sorry for your loss…
Larry was such a good, honest, humble, hard working, technically competent, friend. Larry was the kind of guy that kept the NERC Operating Committee, Operating Reliability Subcommittee and Reliability Coordinator Working Group on track and very productive. Larry provided a real service to North American Power Grid Reliability, all while being perfectly happy not taking credit for his tireless work. Larry is owed a debt of gratitude that can’t be paid. Larry was a true egoless professional and devoted friend.
CHERYL E HASKELL
December 15, 2025 at 12:06 pmFamily, Friends, and Acquaintances:
Know this, all are in the thoughts, hearts, and prayers of Larry, Sue, and Chris’ Messiah family durring this difficult challenge.
Keep in mind, Larry is not gone, he is slumbering at the foot of God’s throne.
Pray all God’s blessings today and forevermore.
Cheryl E. Haskell
Kim Blodgett
December 15, 2025 at 4:19 pmSue, Chris, Josh and Aiyana, my deepest sympathy on the loss of Larry. He was always interested in Missions at Messiah. Am glad I got to know him and his family. Chris gives the best hugs! We rejoice he lives with his Lord Jesus Christ forever and you’ll see him again one day.
Paul Reber
December 15, 2025 at 7:35 pmSusan, Chris and Josh. I just learned of Larry’s passing today. I worked for him at both CILCO and MAIN where we ran together for many miles around the office parking lots. Since we both moved up to MAAIN about the same time, we shared many common experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tim Babcock
December 16, 2025 at 4:51 pmI worked with Larry as a member of one of the NERC committees he chaired. We met 8 to 10 times a year for 5 years. He was one of the most sincere and respectful people I ever met. My wife and I send condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Andy Rodriquez
December 16, 2025 at 6:51 pmI knew Larry from the IDC Working Group at NERC, as well as some of the other committees and subcommittees. He was a smart man with a great sense of humor and a wonderful ability to keep things organized. His contributions to the reliability of the bulk power system are still in use today. He made a difference, and he will be missed.
Marisela Garza
December 17, 2025 at 8:24 pmMy condolences to Sue, Chris and Joshua. I remember Larry fondly having met him and Sue at a small group study in Holt MI.
He was always very kind. Thank you for the kitchen update advice Larry. Rest with Christ.
Marisela Garza
Haruna Yussif Mogtari
December 23, 2025 at 6:08 pmI learned a lot about Mr. Larry from Joshua, his son. Josh is such a kind and generous person to missionaries around the world including myself in Ghana, Africa, partly because of the huge role his parents played and the seeds the planted in his heart while growing up. I named my only son Kezele Michael after the Josh and his family. My condolence to Josh, Christopher and their mother. Mr. Larry is in the presence of the Lord right now and cheering us on to finish our race.
James Moroz
January 2, 2026 at 6:02 pmSusan, Chris and Josh. I just learned of Larry’s passing today. I worked with him in the Substation department at CILCO. He had a deep knwledge of protection and advanced to the supervisor of Energy Control for CILCO.