Lawrence P McKaig

Lawrence (Larry) Patrick McKaig’s great heart finally gave out on January 20, 2026, in Port Huron, MI. Larry was born in Wayne, MI, to Irene (Pixley) and Archibald McKaig on December 23, 1948. He was the youngest of his siblings and the apple of everyone’s eye. They were always so proud of their baby brother, and there was a lot for which they could be proud.

Larry was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, where he met the love of his life, Darlene. He then attended the University of Detroit to earn an undergraduate degree in Political Science and then a Law Degree. He was a great lawyer and well respected in the legal community. He had the distinction of serving in multiple roles of the law: prosecutor, probate judge, and defense attorney. He started his career as an assistant prosecutor in Escanaba, MI. When the opportunity to work in the Ionia County Prosecutor’s office presented itself, he moved his young family to Ionia, MI. His career advanced again when he was appointed to prosecutor. After serving as prosecutor for four years, he was then appointed to probate judge by then-Governor Miliken. Eventually, he left the bench for private practice, where he was a mentor to many and was always honored to serve the community with their private matters.

Larry considered moving to Ionia one of the best decisions he ever made. It was a great place to raise a family, and he had many wonderful friends. He was a faithful community servant who gave back through political activism, civic engagement, and involvement in professional organizations. He served on the Ionia Hospital Board and was a member of the Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus for many years. He was a mentor to Dan Balice, Therese Palletta, and many more.

All of these accomplishments are impressive, but the one that he most treasured was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Family was always first for him, and he was very proud both of the family he came from and the family he created. He was a loving husband to Darlene for 57 years. They were high school sweethearts and have been by each other’s side for a total of 62 years. Together, they raised four children, Kelly, Bridgid, Erin, and Patrick. He was always playing music after dinner, had many famous “Larry-isms,” and always made sure we felt loved. He was also a beloved uncle and father figure to many of his nieces and nephews. He was the best “Mack” to his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, playing golf, and reading a good book on the beach of his house on Lake Huron.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Achibald, his siblings Ed, Jerry, Stuart, and Betty. He was also preceded by the best “good old dogs”, Sadie, Molly, Lucy, and Lady.

He is survived by his beloved wife Darlene (Powell) McKaig; his four children Kelly (Lee) Black, Bridgid (Tim) Van Howe, Erin Niehaus, and Patrick (Sarah) McKaig; his grandchildren, Connor, Fiona, Emma, Lily, Kate, Jane, Riley, Trent, Drake, Oscar, Mary Jane and Vivian and his great granddaughter Maevis; and his loving sister, Eileen (McKaig) Porta.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church 434 High Street Ionia on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 a.m. with Father Eugene Batungbacal presiding. Visitation will be at the Lake Funeral Home in Ionia on Friday, January 30th from 4-7 p.m. With a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com