Dean Gillette Larsen

Dean Gillette Larsen, age 91, was born November 6, 1933 in Salt Lake City to Alma and Margaret Larsen. He returned home to his Heavenly Father September 16, 2025.

Dean was the fifth of 6 children. His father owned a skating rink where Dean learned to skate. He won numerous trophies in figure skating, and played semi-pro hockey. He skated at many locations, including Madison Square Garden. Dean also studied piano and was a talented musician, preferring classical music.

The summer after his high school graduation Dean worked at South East Furniture, where he met his sweetheart, Connie Hunter, who was also working there. He said that he knew she was to be his wife the first time he saw her. They were married a few months later on February 4, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple. Upon their return from the temple, they were greeted by a letter from Uncle Sam. Dean had been drafted. He would enter military service and serve for the next two years.

Following his discharge from the military, Dean attended BYU. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education, and a minor in Animal Science. After graduation, Dean took a teaching position in Tooele, where he taught for two years. Finally, in 1960, Dean and Connie returned with their family to Holden, where Connie had grown up. They would live there happily for the rest of their lives.

Dean taught elementary school at Holden Elementary and later Fillmore Elementary for over 20 years. He loved the children that he taught. After school, on weekends, and in the summer Dean worked hard farming and raising cattle. He also served on the Holden Town Board, and on the volunteer fire department for over 50 years. He served as Scout Master and was awarded the Scouting Silver Beaver. He also served in other church callings, including the bishopric member over-seeing the building of the current Holden Ward Chapel. Dean and Connie were some of the missionaries opening the Cove Fort Mission, where they served for 6 years. After leaving Cove Fort they spent the next 14 years as Ordinance workers at the Manti Temple.

Dean enjoyed woodworking and constructed hundreds of beautiful items from wood, including: chairs, benches, mirrors, cedar chests, doors, cabinets, cradles, butter churns, and a wide array of highly entertaining toys. He loved creating in his wood shop.

Dean is survived by his wife, Connie, and his children; Cynthia Huber (Rey) of Delta, Ut., John Larsen (JoAnn) of Holden, Ut., Jim Larsen (Tracie) of Holden, Ut., Diane Davis (Kent) of Heber City, Ut., and Sandy Miller (Greg) of American Falls, ID., 24 grandchildren, and 69 1/2 great-grandchildren.

He is greeted on the other side by his parents, grandparents, and siblings: Shirley, Art, Jim, Joan, and Boyd.

Funeral services will be held Monday September 22, at 11:00 in the Holden Ward Chapel. The viewings will be held Sunday, September 21, from 5:00 -7:00 and Monday September 22, from 9:00 -10:45. Interment will be in the Holden Cemetery under the care of Rasmussen Mortuary.

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Recordings will be available for 60 days from date of service.