Larry Larsen, of Grand Rapids born September 24, 1939, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017 with family by his side. A self-made man, generous behind the scenes. He served nine years in the United States Air Force International Guard. Life was a party and he loved to live it. He courageously fought and won many battles with cancer, but his last one he bitterly would accept and succumb to, but, in the end his ultimate prize was to meet his Lord and be re-united with his precious daughter Elizabeth, who was calling for her father to join her. A wonderful master salesman who closed many deals back in his day, and developed special bonds and friendships with so many in the process. He was a very proud husband of the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Pat. They formed a wonderful life together of teamwork and were blessed to have four daughters Anne (Dr. Christopher) Lauten-Wiley, Mary (Anthony) Larsen-Rossi, Dr. Katharine Bennett, Elizabeth (Shane) Russell; and twelve miraculous, gifted grandchildren. He was all about family, having fun, traveling together and was a collector of the latest gadgets and toys. He loved his employees and friends dearly, treating them like his own family, and felt blessed that they were all a big part of his life and career. He was passionate about helping people when they needed it and stepped up in whatever way he could. His impact was far-reaching and his family is feeling such a void and loss at this time. He was a lion of a man and cannot be replaced. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Monday 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St. N.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. Patrick Grile CSsR and Rev. Troy Nevins concelebrating. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations of any kind would be most appreciated to Instruments of Hope, 1048 Santa Cruz Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506, the St. Francis of Assisi Healing Garden at Marywood. The family would like to thank the loving staff at Marywood for their patience and attentive care for all of us, most especially to Larry.
