Theodore Larson

THEODORE H. 'TED' LARSON ROCKFORD - Ted's Heavenly Father called him to the church triumphant on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. This Halloween baby was born Oct. 31, 1931, in Streator, to C. Herbert and Pauline H. (Munson) Larson. The family moved to Rockford in September 1939. Ted attended Rockford public schools graduating East High in 1949. He earned a B.A. degree in business administration from Augustana College in 1953. Ted served two years in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, one year in Korea as PX manager. On Oct. 22, 1953, Ted and Doris (Paulson) were married in Salem Lutheran Church, where they are still members. At Salem, Ted was a church school teacher, youth advisor, three-term president of the church council, two-time delegate to NICS Convention and a Chancel choir member for many years. He began his business career at Rockford Clutch Division, Borg-Warner Corp. After 24 years he joined White Consolidated Industries and Data Systems as their marketing administrative manager. After his career at Rockford Clutch, he worked for Howard Monk and Associates Ad Agency as account executive/media manager. He founded his own marketing communications company, advising several clients on their marketing needs. Before retiring, Ted became a licensed realtor/account executive with Larry Mueller Realtors. Community involvement included Rockford Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and its school desegregation school plan, Junior Achievement advisor, Rockford School's Lay Committee on Education, Goodwill board member, Rockford Regional Academic Center publicity chair, Construction Equipment Manufacturers Assn. Public Relations Council and Youth Build board member. Ted enjoyed family vacations, gardening, watching the Chicago Cubs and the fine arts. Survived by wife, Doris; daughters, Diane (Randy) Conatser and Beth (Rick) Draper; son, Scott (Cathie); grandchildren, Lindsay and C.J. Draper, Katy Conatser and Jack Larson. Predeceased by his parents. Celebration of Ted's life at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, in Salem Lutheran Church, 1629 S. Sixth St., with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; the Rev. William Dahlberg will officiate. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials to Salem Lutheran for the music and youth programs. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.