Ronald Edwin Larson

RACINE - Ronald Edwin Larson, 78, passed away peacefully at WFH - All Saints Medical Center on Sunday, October 31, 2010, following a brave battle with cancer. Ronald was born in Milwaukee on August 28, 1932, to the late Edwin and Dorothy (nee: Gresbach) Larson. On June 12, 1954 in Harrisburg, Pa., he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Helen (nee: Lawrence) Larson. Following graduation from high school, Ron faithfully served our country with the United States Army from 1952 until 1954 during the Korean War. During his career, Ron was employed by Trans American Freightways, Campbell 66, and was Terminal Manager of American Freightways - Chicago, Ill., from where he retired. Following, he enjoyed working part-time for Schoone, Leuck, Kelley, Pitts, and Knurr S.C. of Racine. With a profound Catholic faith, Ron was a former member of St. Rita Catholic Church, where he was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 161 in the 1970's and proudly sang in the choir. For the past 20 years, Ron and Helen have been active members of St. Lucy Catholic Church, where Ron served as a Saturday 4 p.m. Mass Usher. Among his interests, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, going to Packer games in Green Bay, and vacations - especially to Las Vegas, Nev. and Walt Disney World. Above all, Ron loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years, Helen; their children, Brad Larson of Norwalk, Conn., Keith (Janie) Larson of Franklin, and Charlene Larson of Racine; grandchildren, Gary Powell, Dan Powell, Katie Larson, and Kevin Larson; great-grandchildren, Mariah and Aaron Powell; sisters, Pat (Robert) Brust, Geri (Darwin) Spaulding, and Chris Spaeth; brother, Edwin Larson Jr.; brother-in-law, Don Jensen; very dear friends, Chuck and Edith D'Acquisto and Jim Larsen; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Jensen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 11 a.m. in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Military Honors will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 10 until 11 a.m. Private interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In memory of Ron, memorials to St. Lucy Church or the American Cancer Society have been suggested. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staffs of Dr. Mullane, Dr. Taylor, Wheaton Franciscan Hospital and Hospice, and Froedtert Hospital for their compassionate care and support in Ron's time of need. Also, special thanks to our family and friends for all you have done for us during Ron's journey with cancer. May God bless all of you! DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 4600 County Line Road 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com