Charles U. Larson

My office was right across the hall from Charlie's at NIU from 1968-1971. I had completed my Master's in Communication from Michigan State University. I knew the day we met that Charlie was at least two levels above any full professor in our department. He was a true pioneer in behavioral communication and his research, publications and working with every student reflected his true passion for education in and out of the classroom. I was honored to have spent 3 years with such a brilliant...

Condolences to the family of Charles Larson from Stockholm: cousins Goran, Bengt, Per and married uncle Karl-Erik.

Charles visited us several of times during the sixties and we still remember him well.

Charlie was a patient of mine for many years as we worked together to get him hearing as good as possible. I will always remember his dry sense of humor and always a good discussion about whatever book he was reading at the time of our appointments. I know the last year was rough for both him and Mary. I will miss his positive outlook and gracious presence. My deepest condolences to the family. I'm sure he will be sorely missed.

Condolences to the family of Charles Larson from his friends and colleagues at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University. Robert Brinkmann, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Charlie you will be missed. Thank you for all the wonderful memories we have of you and Mary from: Church and Church Choir; fun "Sycamorons" singing and jokes with Chris and the KRASSS Singing & Sipping Society. Chris also enjoy taking your communication courses. May Heaven enjoy your Swedish jokes and songs as much as we all did! Love and sympathy to your family. Chris Yochens and Esther McDowell

Uncle Charlie. My favorite memories always took place at the farm when I was a kid. Driving an old pickup truck with 3 on the tree and mis-matched tires that probably weren't safe to drive on any public road. Fireworks, guns, dead rabbits, and lots of laughs. My sisters and I were always excited to see the Larsons on any occasion. Uncle Charlie always made it memorable. He will be missed by all of us.

Mary and family, I wish that I had the right words to say during this time, but I know how much Charlie meant a lot to mean while I was in school and will always appreciate his jokes, lessons on life, along with his perspectives on persuasion that I still use in my classroom today. He will always be thought of positively and will always be a part of my life.

Flaming cheese, for example.

That’s a good place to start.

The night he introduced us visiting relatives to eating cheese on fire, indoors (something I wasn’t brought up doing) at a Chicagoan Greek restaurant. Liquor ceremoniously poured over dairy, which was then ignited. All to loud cries of “Opa-a-a-a” from everyone in the building. My 8 year old self imagined this to mean either “hooray” or otherwise as being the equivalent of “Uff-da-a-a-a” among Swedes So I rolled...

As a dear friend of Martha, I remember hanging out many a time at her house during high school
And junior high. Her dad was always kind and had a great sense of humor. He always made all of us feel welcome. I am thankful to have known him even a little bit. I know he had a profound and positive impact on his grandkids’ lives. I know how much Martha loved him and will always love him. My heart goes out to you all. Peace.