Gerald Larson

GERALD WILLIAM LARSON, 80 FREEPORT - Gerald William Larson, 80, of Freeport, IL., passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Agrace Hospice in Madison, WI. He was born May 21, 1935 in Guttenberg, IA., husband of 52 years of the late Janis K. (Babler) Larson, and son of the late Lloyd and Mabel (Mosley) Larson. He graduated from Warren High School in 1953, where he enjoyed playing football and baseball. He attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Industrial Tech Education. Gerald married Janis Babler on July 29, 1961 in Monroe. He began his career teaching wood shop at the Freeport Jr. High School in 1957. He started teaching physical education in 1969 when Carl Sandburg opened their doors. He was very instrumental in that first year getting students out into the community bowling, ice skating, and other activities as CSS wasn't completely finished. He was the middle school and junior high football and track coach for 35 years for Freeport School District. He retired in May of 1993. Gerald started a carpentry & painting business in the summer of 1969 and continued through 2014. He employed his children, several teachers, and many youth in the Freeport community for 45 years. He gave so many kids the opportunity to earn money for college while teaching them life-long carpentry and painting skills. He always enjoyed spending time with friends and family, sharing his entertaining and educational stories of his years growing up with his children, grandchildren, and many others. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and a die-hard Cubs fan. He truly loved all sports and was so proud watching his grandsons participate in their sporting events. Surviving Gerald are: 3 children, Jodi (Chris) Tansey of Kyle, TX, Jill (Dave) Rogers of Freeport, IL., Geoffrey (Leigh) Larson of New Glarus, WI.; sister-in-law, Sandra (Paul) Weishoff, Tucson, AZ.; brother, Duane (Nancy) Larson, Winter Haven, FL.; 9 grandchildren; 1 niece and 3 nephews. A service to celebrate Gerald's life will be held at 6 p.m., Monday August 3, 2015 at Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport with Rev. Larry Thomson officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family will donate memorials to the Freeport Public School Fund for Freeport School District #145, Freeport, IL. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.