Toledo Free Press

Lawrence (Larry) Michael Pilzecker, passed away peacefully March 21st 2024 with his loving family by his side. Larry was the much-loved patriarch of his family and a very respected leader of his community. He was well known as being strict and “by the book” in his law enforcement profession yet better known for being a friend and confidant that would give you the shirt off his back.

Larry was born to Gertrude Stykemain & Frances Magers on June 14th, 1939. His father unfortunately passed when Larry was very young & his mother remarried William Pilzecker, who adopted Larry.

Larry met Janet Marie Dowling when they both attended Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio. After Larry mustered up the courage to ask Janet out, she hesitantly agreed. From a distance, Janet observed his demeanor and thought he was arrogant which resulted in her standing him up on their first date. With Larrys persistence, she agreed to a second date and this time she carried through and love began to blossom. Larry went on to graduate from Whitmer in 1957 and started classes at the University of Toledo as an engineering student.

Soon he came to realize he was drawn to the allure, excitement and stature of law enforcement. He also came to the realization that he wanted to spend his life with Janet and they married August 22, 1959. They welcomed their first patrol brat Pamela Marie in January 1961 and then in October he started the first leg of a long police career as a dispatcher at the Defiance Patrol Post. In February 1962, Larry started in the #59th Training School with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and successfully graduated as a Patrolman in May of that same year. He started his probationary period as a patrolman in Defiance, Ohio. After probation, Larry was stationed at the Akron post for 4 years, where they welcomed their second patrol brat Cindy Marie in July of 1964. In May of 1967, Larry transferred to Walbridge Post #87 and announced #3 patrol brat was brewing. Julie Marie was born in November of 1968 and for the next 8 months, Larry buckled down with the realization he had a queen and 3 princesses with only 1 bathroom and was promoted to Sergeant.

Growing up in Larry and Jan’s household was never dull. His antics were definitely passed down to his daughters, Pam Boyer (Ray) of Oregon, Ohio, Cindy Hayward (Doug) of Luckey, Ohio and Julie Browne (Gary) of North Fort Myers, Florida. During their impressionable years, Larry made sure their lives were enriched with “culture.”

While working and raising his family, Larry always found extra time to make memories with friends, family and neighbors, from Friday night football parties on the boulevard to summer vacations at Lime Lake. Wherever or whatever Larry got involved with, you were guaranteed a joke, smirk or antic was to follow. To be on the short end of a well orchestrated team lift to place a neighbor's car on blocks then to have the same car filled to the ceiling with leaves, it’s a wonder Larry had any friends at all. Actually it was the polar opposite, no friend ever stayed mad because they knew eventually Larry would have an idea to spark the next prank.

Larry retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol in February 1990 then went on to become the first jail administrator of the Wood County Justice Center. He finished out his career as Chief of Police for the city of Walbridge, Ohio all the while teaching classes to prospective police officers at Owens Community College and the OSHP academy.

A social butterfly, or maybe hornet, with many or limited words, Larry intrinsically knew how to bring people together, or at times, make them sprint in the opposite direction. His stories and pranks carried over to one of the roles he cherished the most, being a Grandpa, Papa, and Pops to his 12 grandkids and 18 great grandkids. While he had spawned his own patrol post, he and Jan were known for picking up strays and added many more people considered family along the way, enough to start their own patrol academy. He taught and disciplined with a softer hand than when raising his daughters, but that didn't stop him pulling out the occasional machete or bounding “HEY” for the shock factor with his grandkids. He taught all of his family how to laugh, recite his poems and made up songs but most importantly how to love life and enjoy family. He may not have expressed it, but he lived his journey in action and symbolism, and this is what drew people to be part of his life. As a master carpenter, Larry left a strong mark on the homes of his family and friends, which also extended to decades of service with the Knights of Columbus where he helped build homes.

Larry’s passion for the Ohio State Highly Patrol extended even to the end when he gave us his final smiling symbol by signing off for his end of watch at 10:06, his patrol badge number.

For memorial contributions, please consider two of Larry's deepest passions and make your tax deductible checks out to

The OSHP Auxiliary-Trooper Education, OSHP Auxiliary Fund, 740 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211

The Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Council,155 Stringer Lane, Mt. Washington, Ky 40047

In all seriousness, what would have made Larry the happiest, is for you to play a harmless prank, share in a good cup of coffee or toast him with a bourbon, sit with friends and talk about old times. Larry's memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be held April 20th at 10:00am St. Jerome Church 300 Warner Street Walbridge, Ohio. Following the service a light lunch will be served in the parrish hall as Larry felt every gathering should include food. Come as you are and share a “Larry Story” with us.

The Walker Funeral Home – Oregon Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with Larry’s family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.