John C. Larsen (1942-2016)

John Carl Larsen, 74, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Hospitality Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  John was born to Carl and Doris (Maegaard) Larsen on February 26, 1942 in Kenosha, WI.  He was educated in the Kenosha Public Schools.

John worked as a printer for the Kenosha News for 35 years where he rose from apprentice pressman to pre-press supervisor. He retired in 1998.

He met Ruth (Gilbert) Larsen of Mellen, WI in 1960 at Fence Lake Lodge in Lac du Flambeau, WI where they both had summer jobs.  They were married 54 years ago at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church in Kenosha where John was a lifelong member.  They raised two daughters; Rebecca (Edward) Mangiarulo and Sarah (Joe) Brus.  They have five grandchildren; Jennifer (Randy) Meullier, Emily (Max) Larsen, Chelsea Akavickas, Tyler Kerbs and Amelia Larsen, and one great-granddaughter Aubrey Larsen.

John was a talented woodworker.  He assisted in the building of two of his homes, built 23 garages in Kenosha (with close friend Norman Steinke), and produced numerous pieces of unique and lovely furniture.  He enjoyed making toys for his grandchildren and others.  He also built cabinets, and other items for St. Mary’s Lutheran Church and the Kenosha History Center.  His favorite wedding gift to give was a handmade clock.

An avid boater and fisherman, John was a member of the Kenosha Yacht Club serving there as Commodore in 1979.  John was also was a board member of the Kenosha Sport Fishing & Conservation Association where he served as co-chairman for the salmon rearing pond and was on hand at the annual Kids Fish N Fun fundraiser handing out fishing poles to children.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.  In addition to the family members listed above, he is survived by his sister Linnea (David) Krahn of Woodbury, MN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, 2001 80^th St, Kenosha, on Monday, September 19^th  at 11am.  Visitation will be at 10am for 1 hour prior to the funeral service.  A luncheon will follow at the Boat House, 4917 7^th Avenue, Kenosha.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kenosha Sport Fishing & Conservation Association, P.O. Box 746, Kenosha, WI 53144 or the Kenosha Christmas Charities, Inc. (The Goodfellows), c/o Arleen Wermeling, 5800 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142 would be appreciated.