Robert "Bob" Earl Larson

Park Falls Robert “Bob” Earl Larson age 82 passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI from complications of a brief illness. Bob was born on May 14, 1932 as the only child of Earl and Myrtle Larson in La Porte, Indiana. He graduated from La Porte High School in 1950 where he had been active in sports and went on to further his education, graduating from Purdue University with an Agriculture Degree in 1955. He played on the college football and basketball teams before a career ending injury. After graduation he returned to the family farm, and met and married Mary Ann Serwatka on October 5, 1957 in La Porte, Indiana. They had four children: Brett, Mike, Jill and Amy. He then embarked on a career with the USDA-Farmers Home Administration as a loan officer, which spanned 31 years. He had always enjoyed the fishing trips with his dad to northern Wisconsin and wanted to raise his family there. In 1965, the family moved to Oconto, WI and then to Park Falls in 1971. He and Mary Ann retired to Springstead in 1994 and lived there until his death. His passion for local high school sports was evident as he was a staunch supporter of the teams in Park Falls. He served as a volunteer assistant baseball coach for 40 years; coaching alongside his best friend, Tom “Wally” Armstrong and continuing with Tom’s son, Tom Jr. The players lovingly referred to him as “Ace” as he was trying to coach them in the game or steer them in the right direction of their lives. He also helped out with football and basketball (boys’ and girls’) in various capacities. He had officiated football, baseball and softball for more than 30 years. During his children and grandchildren’s high school athletic careers, he was always on the sidelines as their best supporter. After retiring from the USDA, he began his own business, Lakeside Appraisals, as a self-employed real estate appraiser. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Park Falls, The Iron County Board of Adjusters, and The Price Electric Board of Directors representing District 8. He served several terms on the Park Falls School Board over the course of 18 years. It was during this time the planning and subsequent building of the high school/elementary school complex took place. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Mary Ann; son, Brett (Natalie) Larson of Park Falls, WI; daughter-in-law, Cindy Larson of Butternut, WI; daughter, Jill Larson of Bloomington, MN and daughter, Amy (Greg) Mayer of Rock Falls, WI. Eight grandchildren: David (Nicole) Larson of Wausau, Charlotte Larson (significant other Travis Bottolfson) of Park Falls; Jacob (Britney Fintel-Larson) Larson of San Diego, CA; Kelsey and Courtney Larson of Butternut, WI; Troy (significant other Emily Kalmon), Nick and Megan Mayer. He recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, Jackson, to the family. He was also survived by his Aunt Mary Moore of La Porte, IN, numerous friends and former colleagues and his furry four legged friend Abby who shares the same birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Myrtle Larson; his son, Mike; and good friends Tom Armstrong, Sr and his wife, Ann. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday September 6, 2014 at 11:00am from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara and Deacon Chet Ball will co-officiate. Burial will follow at Nola Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00am until the hour of the service at the church. In honor of his passion for sports, particularly the Park Falls athletics teams, please wear your favorite sports apparel to the service. Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Robert "Bob" Earl Larson

May 15, 1932 - August 30, 2014