Arne Larson

Arne G. Larson, 86 ROCKFORD - Arne G. Larson, 86, of Rockford died at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011, in his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born Jan. 31, 1925, in Vanersborg, Sweden, the son of Erick and Frida (Jacobsson) Larson. He married Marilyn J. Cate on Aug. 14, 1949, in Rockford. Arne came to Rockford at age 7. He graduated from East High School and Beloit College. Arne played on the Beloit College Midwest Conference Championship teams and went three years to the Kansas City NAIB Tournament. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. Arne taught history and coached basketball and baseball from 1950-53 in Sandwich. He worked 35 years at Oil Heat Parts, becoming owner and president. He was also owner of Fireworks Fireplace Shoppe. Arne was a sports enthusiast, playing baseball with Blackhawk Athletic Club for years. He was active in Rockford Tennis, winning the Singles City Championship; YMCA Men's Club; Rockford Boys & Girls Club; Court Street United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school for 15 years; and active at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Sun City West, Ariz. Arne was president of Methodist Men's Club and member of the choir. Arne had a love for Arizona, spending winters since 1991 at their home in Sun City West. Arne had a lifelong passion for Bible study and history and participated in Civil War Round Table in Illinois and Arizona. Arne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who was close to and involved with his family. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Marcia (Brian) Claxton, Terry (Donn) Herbig and Lori (Vernon) Smith; son, Todd Larson, and his former wife, Helen Larson; grandchildren, Lars Noble, Douglas and Arne Claxton, Douglas (Sheryl) Smith, Matt (Kye) Smith, Will and Bailey Smith, Cole Gunnar Larson, and Donna (Brad) Blecker; great-grandchildren, Kaitlin and Bailee Blecker, Cal, Tatum and Nate Smith; sister, Mary Ann (Bob) Gerke; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by sister, Margaret Donaldson. Service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26, in Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St., with visitation from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Keith Kelsey-Powell will officiate. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Court Street United Methodist Church or Rockford Boys & Girls Club. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.