Douglas Alan Larson

Dr. Douglas Alan Larson, 82, of West Dundee, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Elgin.

Doug was born in Turlock, California, on January 16, 1944, to parents Harold and Hildur (née Ahlberg) Larson. He grew up in the Central Valley of Northern California, along with his brothers, Dale and Darryl, and his sister, Gretchen. After graduating from Turlock High, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California San Francisco and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the UCSF School of Pharmacy.

During his youth, Doug and his family attended summer family camp at Mission Springs, amid the California redwoods in Scotts Valley. It was there that he first crossed paths with Lois Lindstedt. Later, when they were both in college and attending First Covenant Church of San Francisco, they reconnected and fell in love. They were married on June 12, 1965, and together they raised their children, Wendy and Daniel.

Doug was active at Modesto Covenant Church, singing in a men’s quartet that traveled around the area performing at various churches and events. He also sang in the church choir (which was directed by Lois), and for many years he taught a popular Sunday school class. The room was often completely full because so many people enjoyed learning from Doug. He was also on the elder board and served as chair.

Doug was a bright, friendly, and hardworking man. He co-owned Ripon Drug & Gift with his brother Dale and became the sole owner when Dale retired. He is remembered fondly for his 36 years as a trusted and kind pharmacist who personally made home deliveries and went out of his way to help the Ripon community get the medications they needed. He is also remembered as a generous boss to his employees, and they became like another family to Doug and Lois.

Following retirement, Doug and Lois moved to Illinois in 2009 to be closer to their kids and granddaughters. They were actively involved in the lives of their family, with many special memories made during their weekly Tuesday night dinners. Doug took great delight in every harp performance, every concert, and every musical where he could cheer on his granddaughters, Teagan and Avery. He would often be in tears as he wrapped his arms around them and told them how proud he was of them.

Doug’s faith was always central to who he was, and he lived in such a way that demonstrated his strong convictions and love for God. In Illinois, he and Lois became involved with Willow Creek Community Church. Doug volunteered with Alpha classes at Willow, and enjoyed running the 5K races and supporting the Willow Creek Care Center.

Doug was unwaveringly devoted to his family, especially to Lois. When dementia began to alter her daily life, Doug made sure she had the most dignifying, loving care possible. For the past decade, he was her primary caregiver, learning new skills such as cooking and maintaining the home, helping Lois to dress in the stylish way he knew she would want, and taking her hand to guide her wherever they went.

A lifelong learner, Doug had a curious mind and loved to ask questions. He was faithful, diligent, humble, and a committed friend. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois Larson; his children, Wendy Larson and Dan (Heather) Larson; his granddaughters, Teagan Larson and Avery Larson; his siblings, Dale (the late Phyllis) Larson, Darryl (Barbara) Larson, and Gretchen (the late Tim) Anderson, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a service to honor Doug’s life at 11:00 a.m. CST on Friday, February 27, in the chapel at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. There will also be a gathering at 9:00 a.m. PST at Modesto Covenant Church in Modesto, California, to watch the service via live stream. A video link is available on request.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mission Springs Camp & Conference Center https://www.missionsprings.com/giving or the Willow Creek Care Center https://www.willowcreekcarecenter.org/give