Obit: Larsen, Royce L. #3 (1923 - 2015)
Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Brown, Eidem, Forjan, Furnas, Larsen, Mendenhall, Miner, Ower,
Pischer, Schimberg, Severson
----Source: The Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 4/28/2015
Larsen, Royce L. (30 APR 1923 - 21 APR 2015)
Royce L. Larsen of Neillsville passed away April 21, 2015, nine days before his
92nd birthday, at the Clark County Health Care Center.
Born on April 30, 1923, in Waupaca, to Ralph and Marguerite (Miner) Larsen, he
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 WWII, serving from 1943-1946. For 18
months he was stationed in Hawaii as a radar specialist. He then attended U.W.
River Falls, earning a B.S. 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.
Royce is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Dorothy, along with their
three children, Tana (Frank) Schimberg, Brentwood, CA; Rhonda (Rudy) Forjan,
Eustis, FL; and Jay (Mary Jo) Larsen, Cottage Grove, MN. He is also survived by
six grandchildren: Jason (Valerie) Pischer, Katy (Greg) Furnas, Hannah (Hershall)
Brown, Shawna (Christian) Mendenhall, Nicholas (Jamie) Larsen, and Molly (Corey)
Eidem; eleven 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, sister Donna, and brothers, Wayne and
Glendon.
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. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on June 13, 2015 at
the Calvary Lutheran Church with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial
gifts may be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church.
Online Condolences may be made at
www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Royce's family
with Funeral arrangements.
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