Dudley Place

Dudley Place, 86, of Grand Blanc, Mi. passed away on February 26, 2023 of natural causes.  Dudley loved spending time with his family. He was a husband and partner for 58 years to Lorna Place; a father and mentor to Susan Karlstom (Gunnar) and Matthew (Bridget), and “Papa” to his four grandchildren Annika, Gunnar III, William, and Lucy.  He was Uncle Dud to nephews Mark and John Place.  Dudley was predeceased by his parents, Phoebe Earlandson and Floyd Place, stepfather, Oscar Earlandson, and brother, Richard.

A graduate of Flint Northern High School, he went on to pursue a bachelor in science from Hillsdale College and a masters degree from University of Wisconsin.  He was a teacher and an educator to his core.  He taught science for 30 years at Grand Blanc High School and then went on to teach classes at Mott Community College.   He supported and expanded the minds of thousands of students.

Dudley was an avid reader and a lover of adventure and travel. He enjoyed drawing and carving beautiful fish and birds of all kinds, which he shared with those he loved.  He was an outdoorsman who spent summers with his family as a naturalist ranger in Glacier National Park and at the Huron Yacht Club sailing around the bay and into Canada. His love of nature inspired him to work with others to preserve the Commons nature area in Grand Blanc.  He had a remarkable ability to strike up conversations with anyone and make them feel like old friends.  His sense of humor and good natured demeanor could light up a room.  He enjoyed talking to people near and far as an amateur radio operator, call sign WA8QJP.  He will be desperately missed, but we know he is ‘Going to the Sun’. Happy travels Dudley.

We would like to thank Courtyard Manor of Fenton and Gentiva Hospice for their tremendous care during Dudley’s last months.

Visitation will be held 1-4 PM Saturday, March 11 at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center,  6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc. We invite people to tell stories and memories of Dudley from 3:30 - 4 pm.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Crossover Outreach of Flint or the Genesee County Humane Society.