Lawrence Edward Jelinek

It is with great sadness that the family of Lawrence (Larry) Jelinek announces his passing on to be with the Lord on July 30, 2025 at the age of 83 after bravely living with acute myleloid leukemia.  Larry built his home and nurtured his family since the early 1970 's in Strongsville, Ohio.

Lawrence Edward Jelinek was born July 24, 1942 to Edward and Helen Jelinek.  He attended Garfield Heights High School.  He was very proud to serve in the US Army as a medic at Fort Sam Houston (Texas) during the Vietnam War.  He then pursued a career as a printing pressman (lithographic engineer) at Carpenter Reserve Printing for over 25 years and then retired at Oak Printing Company.

Larry had a great belief in God and the journey he was on.  He always embraced what life brought his way including creating wonderful memories with and being a caregiver for many years to his first love, Marilyn Jelinek, to whom he was married for 50 wonderful years until her passing.  Then he found his second love, Diane (Dee) Pauley, with whom he has shared 6 great years.  He was a loving Dad to his three children Wendy Jelinek, Keli Jelinek Grider and Paul Grider.

He was a member of and usher at the United Methodist Church of Berea for over 45 years.  He also served on the SPRC and trustees, picked up bread for the Bread Ministry and used his handyman skills in Help Build Hope and Habitat for Humanity/Apostles Build service projects and around the church.

His sense of adventure was something to see. He enjoyed ziplining, fishing and loved kayaking the lakes and rivers of Ohio, alone or most especially with his kids.  He even kayaked in the Madhatters Grand River Canoe and Kayak Race!

Larry was also a skilled gardener and a teacher of life.  Larry never met a stranger.  He was a social butterfly and always looked out for others, especially those who might have felt left out.  He was strong, kind, humble, compassionate, lighthearted and led by example.

Celebration of Life Service Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.United Methodist Church of Berea  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests live plants or considering a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (soon to be Blood Cancer United) or United Methodist Church of Berea in Larry’s memory.

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