John Theodore "Ted" Larson

John Theodore “Ted” Larson, 91 of Addison. Beloved husband of Marlene nee VanDerVelde. Loving father of Pamela (Jay) Barnes, Robert (JoAnn) Larson, Christen Larson and Michael (JoAnna) Larson. Cherished grandfather of Kaylee, and Rylee Larson. Dearest brother of the late Bert Larson. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Ted was a Life Member of the Addison VFW Post 7446 and a Marine Corp. veteran.

Ted was born to the late Sven and Anna Larson in 1933 and was a life-long resident of Addison. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church and attended its school through the 8th grade. Ted graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, where he was very active in sports, including football, basketball and baseball. After graduation, Ted played semi-pro baseball on the west coast before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1952, rising to the rank of sergeant. He spent some time in Okinawa, Japan before being sent to Korea to fight in the war. After being wounded, Ted was sent to Hawaii for nine months to recover. Not surprisingly, he fell in love with Hawaii. For his service, he received several medals, including Good Conduct, National Defense, UN Service, and Korean Service medals. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1960.

A proud American veteran, Ted continued his service to his country by being a Life Member of the Addison VFW Post 7446, serving as its Post Commander from 1964-1965, receiving an award for his outstanding performance and other various accolades. 

Ted was also a volunteer fireman for the Addison Fire Protection District in the late 1950’s / early 1960’s where he became fast friends with Bill VanDerVelde. Bill introduced Ted to his little sister, Marlene, and they were married six months later. Two years after they were married, they started a family with the birth of their daughter, Pamela, which was followed by the births of Robert, Christen and Michael over the next eight years. 

Ted’s “day” job was that of a beer salesman for 30+ years until his retirement. Forever the sports enthusiast, Ted enjoyed playing softball, golfing and horseshoes with friends until bad knees prohibited him from doing so. He was also known to play football in the yard with his kids and their neighborhood friends in his younger days. Ted was a life-long Chicago White Sox fan and avid Chicago Bears fan and still enjoyed watching the Bears games (or any NFL football game) right up to the end. He was also a dog lover and would frequently visit the front desk of the Radcliff in Wood Dale, where he had been living for the past year and a half, to play with the dogs that employees would bring in to visit the residents. Described by many as a kind, friendly and outgoing man, he was loved by his family and will be deeply missed.

Visitation Friday, January 3, 2025, from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake Street, Addison (2 Mi. W. of Rt. 83, 2 Mi. E. of Rt. 53).

Lying in state at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 37 Army Trail Road, Addison until time of Funeral Service Saturday, January 4, 11:00 a.m. Interment private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Il.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the church are greatly appreciated.