Obit: Larsen, Royce L. #2 (1923 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Larsen, Miner, Severson, Schimberg, Forian, Pischer, Furnas, Brown, Mendenhall, Eidem, Ower

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 29 Apr 2015

Larsen, Royce L. (30 APR 1923 – 21 APR 2015)

Royce L. Larsen, 91, Neillsville, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at the Clark County Health Care Center. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 13, at the Calvary Lutheran Church, Neillsville, with visitation from 10-11 a.m.

Born on April 30, 1923, in Waupaca, to Ralph and Marguerite (nee Miner) Larsen, Royce graduated from Manawa High School in 1940. Following graduation, he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs), which sparked his love for the outdoors and the beauty of Wisconsin. His passion was helping to preserve forests, water, and soil. Royce was drafted into the Army during World War II, serving from 1943–46. For 18 months he was stationed in Hawaii as a radar specialist. He then attended UW-River Falls, earning a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He married Dorothy Severson on June 11, 1948. He enlisted in the Army Reserves and served two years during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. Following college and military service, he spent most of his career (28 years) working for the Soil Conservation Service in Neillsville and Stratford. The Larsen family moved to Neillsville in 1961. In his last days Royce still shared memories of the many farmers in Clark and Marathon counties with whom he partnered to develop soil conservation practices and reduce water pollution. A favorite pastime was playing the piano, especially to entertain his grandchildren. Royce had a knack for learning chords and harmonies of familiar melodies “by ear” and never had piano lessons. He liked taking his grandchildren fishing in his boat and camping in his travel trailer. He made lasting memories for them. He enjoyed walks in the woods and teaching his children and grandchildren to identify various plants, trees, and insects. In retirement he was happiest being in the county forest area west of Neillsville or working on his woodland property near Fifield. When declining health kept him homebound, Royce still worked in his backyard raking and composting. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville.

Royce is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Dorothy; their three children, Tana (Frank) Schimberg, Brentwood, Calif., Rhonda (Rudy) Forjan, Eustis, Fla., and Jay (Mary Jo) Larsen, Cottage Grove, Minn.; six grandchildren, Jason (Valerie) Pischer, Katy (Greg) Furnas, Hannah (Hershall) Brown, Shawna (Christian) Mendenhall, Nicholas (Jamie) Larsen, and Molly (Corey) Eidem; 11 great-grandchildren, Hudson and Ryan Pischer, Jackson, Jordan, and Jett Furnas, Paris Ower, Alivia, Amelia, Jameson, and Jude Larsen, and Mazie Eidem; a brother-in-law, George Severson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Donna; and two brothers, Wayne and Glendon.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, is assisting the family with arrangements.