Richard "Rich" Larsen

1939 - 2025

Richard "Rich" Larsen

May 23, 1939 - August 3, 2025

MOUNT PLEASANT, WI – Richard "Rich" Henry Larsen, age 86, passed away peacefully at Ascension All Saints Hospital on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Rich was born in Racine, WI on May 23, 1939 to the late Henry George Larsen and Goldie Claire (nee: Langberg) Larsen. After attending Washington Park High School, Rich faithfully served our country with the United States Air Force from 1957-62.

On August 27, 1960, Rich was united in marriage with the love of his life, Darlene E. (nee: Lema) in St. Edward's Catholic Church.

Always wanting to help others, he served our community as a firefighter with the Racine Fire Department for 29 years, where he was lovingly referred to as "Richie," retiring in 1992. Richie quickly earned a reputation as a good cook and spent most of his career cooking for his fellow firefighters, in addition to his other duties. Rich also ran a home remodeling business with his sons and son-in-law and worked for a company that provided transportation services for SC Johnson employees and executives, and worked for Eddie's Glass Service for many years.

When speaking about his family, Rich was often heard saying "we are so blessed." He loved his family dearly and would do anything for them, including being an ear to listen and a hand to help. He was known to prepare his favorite meals for his family, friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, fishing, or just sitting in a chair watching birds. In his free time, he enjoyed carving wood and creating lifelike pieces, including birds of various species. He also enjoyed carving "comfort birds" that he gave away locally to friends and family and shared throughout the world with mission volunteers. Always willing to help anyone in need, he was proud to have volunteered at the AA Central Office, helping those with alcohol addiction.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Darlene; their children: Kimberly (Jeff) Saunders, Richard M. (Tanya) Larsen and Chad Larsen; grandchildren: Ryan (Elizabeth) Saunderson, Kyle (Stephanie) Saunders, Riley Larsen, Liam Larsen, Owen Larsen, Nolan Larsen and Ella Larsen; great-granddaughter, Lydia June Saunderson; sister, Debra (Rick) Knotek; nieces, nephews, other relatives, fire department family and friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his father, Henry Larsen; mother, Goldie Miles; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Larsen; Darlene's parents, Adolf and Mary (nee: Loontjens) Lema; sister-in-law, Magdalena McCarthy; and brothers-in-law: Julius Lema, Leo Lema, Edward Lema and Remi Lema.

Services celebrating Rich's life will be celebrated on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 12:30 PM in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Fr. Craig Richter officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation, with fire department honor guard, will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, August 25th, from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM. In memory of Rich, memorials to the "Wounded Warrior Project" have been suggested.

Special thanks to Dr. Paul Durbin, Nurse Karen Murillo, Ascension nurses David, Ashley and Brittany for their loving and compassionate care given in Rich's time of need. May God bless all of you!

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

4600 COUNTY LINE ROAD

262-552-9000

www.draeger-langendorf.com