The coatings industry has lost Lawrence K. “Larry” Kytasaari, a respected leader with a decades-long career in industrial coatings. Kytasaari, 83, passed away on February 26, 2025, at his home in Gwinn, Michigan, under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Born in Marquette, Michigan, Kytasaari’s career began in 1960 at Midland Division of Dexter Corporation. He earned a BS in Business Management from Lake Forest School of Management while working full-time and later completed an MBA in 1977. His leadership roles included serving as vice president of operations at TNEMEC Company Inc. and director of operations at Lily Industries. In 2005, he founded OEM Consulting, where he mentored coatings manufacturers before retiring in 2007.

Kytasaari is remembered for his passion for family, woodworking, genealogy, and Finnish heritage. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to U.P. Home Health and Hospice at 1125 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, MI 49855.