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Larradine Csiszar

May 23, 1942 - November 27, 2021
Portage, MI

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Life Story Visitation

Friday, December 3, 2021
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Life Story Service

Sunday, December 5, 2021
2:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Visitation will be held 1-hour prior.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Alzheimer's Association
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Larradine Csiszar, it is easy to see her kind heart and her humble spirit, but perhaps what will be her lasting impact on those around her is the way she selflessly gave of herself to others in ways both great and small. She worked hard raising four children, which made for a lot of laundry to dry on the clothesline. She also gardened and canned its rewards to help put food on the table when money was tight. She often had additional children around as she would babysit for friends or family when needed. She didn’t shy away from trying new things. Although she treasured her roles as a wife and mother, Larradine just might have argued that becoming a grandmother was her greatest gift. She had the calming touch as she'd rock her grandbabies or illicit a smile as she'd coo right along with them. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young men and women had answered the call to serve during WWII. Here in the United States, rationing of common goods became a way of life. It was during this eventful time that Donald and Ethel (Johnson) Howe were pleased to announce the adoption of their new baby girl they named Larradine on May 23, 1942. She was one of two as she was joined in her family by her brother, Donald. Growing up, one of the things Larradine looked forward to most was spending time at the family cabin in Mesick, Michigan. After attending local schools, she went to vocational school to be a secretary. Larradine was gifted in shorthand and typing as she was soon typing up contracts for her future husband's business. She later obtained her real estate license, but talking people into buying expensive homes wasn't her forte. Lari learned how to do payroll for Les's construction business as she became his “Office Administrator.” Later in her life, she worked for H&R Block preparing taxes until her early retirement due to Alzheimer's.

New and exciting changes were in store for Larradine when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Laszlo Csiszar, and they met at a pizza parlor. Sparks flew right from the start, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Larradine and Laszlo became husband and wife. Their wedding provided the backdrop for their very first dance together. Laszlo picked her up and swept her off her feet. In time, Laszlo taught his bride to dance. Before long, crowds parted ways to watch when they hit the dance floor.

Larradine and Laszlo always shared a special bond. They never passed up an opportunity to hold hands, even drifting off to sleep at night while holding hands and talking into the late hours. Larradine was a supportive wife. She helped her husband in his career. She was the “gopher” (go-for-this and go-for-that) to bring any additional supplies to the job and she'd keep her kids busy cleaning up the job site at the end of the day. She enjoyed helping her husband while he worked on drafting new architectural designs. Together they welcomed four children: Etel, Laszlo, Ari, and Maria into their hearts and home.

There was never anything of greater importance to Larradine than her family. She enjoyed teaching her children, and later her grandchildren, and both she and Laszlo went to great lengths to make sure their home was filled with love. Every day, Lari made sure all four kids would greet their father as he came home from work, often long after dark, with a hug and a kiss. Larradine served as a Girl Scout Leader and also played the role of mother to anyone in need. When she became a grandmother, she couldn’t have been more thrilled. Larradine seized every opportunity to dote on her grandchildren and spent a lot of time babysitting them. For 33 years she had morning coffee with her husband and son who worked together. Larradine made family get togethers a memorable event, especially the party she planned for Laszlo in celebration of his 60th birthday. She took him to Silver Lake where they stayed in a cabin. Of course, a slight mishap started the trip as Laszlo fell through the deck of the cabin when they arrived. Being an engineer, he had that deck fixed better than new before they left, and they still celebrated his birthday in style.

Larradine was one to keep busy, and much of her efforts were centered on serving others. When Larradine married Laszlo, she learned the art of Hungarian cooking from the older Hungarian women in his church. She often brought food to her husband and his employees on the job site when they were working long hours. When she attended special family events, Larradine was sure to bring a large pot of cabbage rolls and this became her signature dish. Additionally, she always knew everyone’s favorites, and if she was invited 'that favorite' food went visiting with her. Everyone was welcome at her table for a meal, even the frequent last-minute guest never went hungry.

An amazing seamstress, she could fix, hem, or sew just about any type of clothing. Her children or grandchildren all would stand on the table while she meticulously worked and somehow she had the alterations done overnight. Laundry stains were also no match for her.

Larradine impacted the lives of so many in a special way. Her family attended the Hungarian Evangelical Church in Kalamazoo for many years. She was, of course, proud and willing to help in the kitchen cooking meals which often became a community experience all itself. Never one to shy away from a new experience, she and her husband had an idea with some friends. It started with each of them signing a napkin at a restaurant dinner that they’d all take a big trip together to Hawaii. While all were excited, only Larradine and Laszlo and a handful of others followed through on the commitment, but it was still an amazing trip to remember as they enjoyed long walks, scenic views, and discovering new restaurants to quench their appetites. Recently, she took a trip to the Detroit Zoo’s Illumizoo event with her children and grandchildren. It was a fantastic time when everyone truly got lost in the fun of the moment. Although she was known for driving slow, if her grandchildren needed a ride she was there in a flash. In fact, Larradine even got a few speeding tickets in her flurry to get to them quickly! She also loved anything purple. Even her garden hose was purple!

With her quick wit, her smile always at the ready, and her selfless spirit, Larradine Csiszar was truly beautiful on the inside and out. Her agreeable laugh indicated to others to always look on the bright side, and everything is “wonderful.” Larradine’s devotion to her family was unmatched, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and joy. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Larradine Csiszar, of Portage, age 79, died peacefully on November 27, 2021. Larradine was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Donald Howe. Surviving are her husband, Laszlo; children: Etel Coffman, Laszlo (Janice) Csiszar, Ari Csiszar, and Maria Csiszar; grandchildren: Steven (Jenny) Coffman, Amber (TJ) Smith, Kristen (Tracy) Moore, Kaylee (Doug) Heysteck, Ashley Csiszar, Laszlo (Kristi) Csiszar, William Greenlee, Alex Greenlee, Andrew Greenlee, and Sam Greenlee; great-grandchildren: Landon, Oliver, Sydney, Hunter, Ian, Emalee, and Winter; and nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation 5-7 PM Friday (DEC 3) at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Sunday (DEC 5) also at the funeral home with visitation one-hour prior. Visit Larradine’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

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