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Fred Larson Obituary
He is survived by his PARTNER, Kathleen Wardle of Surprise, AZ; CHILDREN Michelle Vernon of Vancouver, WA; Cheryl Payton (Bryce) of Camas, WA; SISTERS Linda Moses (Bill) of Old Town, FL; Mary Hudak (Doug) of Marblehead, OH; Carol Larson Sweeney of Tampa, FL and Rebecca J Evans (deceased) of Tampa, FL; BROTHERS Michael Ohlemacher of Old Town, FL; Matthew Larson (Rebecca) of Tampa, FL; NIECE Heather Ohlemacher, Sandusky, OH; NEPHEW Gary Larson of Sandusky, OH; GRANDCHILDREN Dylan and Owen Vernon; and Lillian and William Payton.
Fred was born to Fred Sr. and Phyllis Reed Larson on April 28, 1950 in New Albany, Indiana and later moved to Port Clinton, Ohio to finish his high school years. He was an accomplished athlete with a passion and talent for basketball which took him on a full ride scholarship to Montana State University - Northern in Havre, Montana. Following graduation from college, he began his teaching career and retired from Huntley Project High School in Worden, Montana as a biology teacher. In addition, he taught Drivers Ed, PE coach, basketball coach, referee for basketball, and managed a public pool during the summer months while residing in Billings, Montana. He married Marlene Althoff in 1977 and they had two daughters in 1978 and 1979, Michelle and Cheryl.
Following retirement, he moved to the Pacific Northwest where he met his longtime partner Kathy Wardle of 15 years. They moved to Arizona in 2012 where he was able to enjoy his love of golf and traveling.
Fred was known not only for his intelligence but for his witty sense of humor, great friendships, mentorships - he truly touched the lives of many. His passion was teaching illustrated by his students and colleagues who have fond memories of him.
A public celebration of life and spreading of ashes, will be held in Washington state where Fred's children and grandchildren reside.
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John (Jack) Wardell
November 21, 2024
Havre Montana - Fred, Stu Corbin, Claude Hawks and I were all in that same wing of the men's dorm. We were friends that did a lot together the first year 1970. He was a great ball player and buddy. He was a very funny guy and fun to be around. Loved practical jokes. He had a great laugh and sometimes reminded me later on of Johnny Carson.
Jessie McCauley McConnell
December 19, 2023
One of my favorite teachers for sure. He always made up songs and acronyms to help us remember things. You'd hear us humming taking a test. Always fun to be in his class. I had very much enjoyed staying connected on social media. I think about him often as I have worked in the medical field all of my life and the things he taught me come up often. I still hum those crazy little songs.
Jessie McConnell
October 19, 2022
Hands down one of my favorite and best educators. Per him I was one of his worst students in 1st period and one of his favorites in 4th period. Needless to say PE was not my favorite class and Biology was tough but I loved it. This has lead me down the path to a successful medical career. Mr. Larson was a fantastic, fun but firm educator that impacted so many of his students in so many arenas. Prayers to his family I am so sorry for your loss.
Charles Fanyak
October 19, 2022
RIP, coach.
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T. D.
October 19, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken-hearted.
Douglas Milliron
October 19, 2022
Taught with Fred at Reedpoint. Had lots of laughs. RiP
Lou Taft
October 18, 2022
He will be sorely missed!
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16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374
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