Laurie Ann Place


Laurie Ann Place, 81, of Marshall passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 11, 2023 at her residence.

Laurie was born January 28th, 1942, in Detroit to her parents, Raymond and Mabel (Reavis) Hamm.

In 1955, Raymond and Mabel Hamm, owners of Air-Way Manufacturing in Romeo, Michigan, moved the company to Olivet, Michigan. Laurie finished her schooling at Olivet High School, graduating in 1960.

On October 20th, 1961, Laurie married Phillip Neil Place at Olivet Congregational Church. The happy couple spent 50 years adventuring the world together, before Philips passing in 2012. The couple spent not only their down time together but their working hours as well. They became co-owners of Air-Way Manufacturing in 1988 with Laurie being the corporate secretary. While taking care of the family business the Places also raised a family of their own. Laurie loved cooking and planning family events for her three children, Kari, Mark, and Scott. Olivet truly became her hometown.

Laurie spent a lot of her life giving to others and helping the Olivet community. As a young girl she enjoyed horseback riding and also became a trail guide. As an adult she volunteered at Olivet Adult Education. Laurie was truly a planner, always finding a way to celebrate those around her. Laurie was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall, Michigan and continued to attend services their as long as she was able.
When not on the go Laurie was found reading or traveling with her beloved Phillip. On her travels Laurie would collect shells, while Phillip collected stones.

We remember Laurie as a loving and kind woman, who would welcome all her community to gather. She will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. In death she is returned to the loving arms of her husband, Phillip. Also, reuniting with her parents, and her brothers Gerald R Hamm and Larry P Hamm. Laurie is survived by her daughter Kari Place of Charlotte, Michigan; her sons, Mark (Kellie) Place of Olivet, Michigan and Scott (Nora) Place of Olivet, Michigan; her 5 grandchildren, Jerrod Sedler of Charlotte, Michigan, Brock (Adrienne) Pook of Marshall, Michigan, Garret (Alyssa)Place of Olivet, Michigan, Zachery (Sarah) Place of Marshall, Michigan and Mac (Taylor Martinez) Place of Lansing, Michigan; her great grandchildren, Harper, Phillip, Madeline and Luca; and her brother, Ronald (Dee)Hamm of Marshall, Michigan.

Visitation for Laurie will take place on Thursday, January 4, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068 with the memorial service to follow at 3:00 at the funeral home. Rev. David Moran officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date at Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Childrens research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105) or to Christ Lutheran Church (440 West Dr. N Marshall, Michigan 49068).