LARSEN, Earl Edward

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Tuesday, July 24, 2012 > Earl Edward Larsen < > Aug. 24, 1921 — July 15, 2012 < With care, comfort and compassion, provided by the Polidori House, Earl peacefully passed away with family by his side. Earl lived a full, meaningful life that began in Armstrong, Iowa, where he grew up on parents Carl and Martina Larsen’s farm with brother Christy and sister Esther. After graduating from East High in Des Moines, he attended Grand View College, where he met his future life-long partner and lovely wife, Ruth Hermansen. Earl served his country in World War II as a Navy Gunners Mate aboard USS Baltimore. On Dec. 2, 1945, Earl and Ruth were married in a small Danish Church in Dannebrog, Neb., and then settled in Des Moines to begin raising their family. With their three sons, Earl and Ruth moved their family to Gardena, Calif. Retiring after a successful career with TRW, Earl and Ruth spent many years enjoying Rancho Bernardo, Calif., before making Lake Havasu City, their home. Earl, a golf enthusiast, an avid baseball fan, also enjoyed fishing, carpentering and winning at bridge. Earl and Ruth traveled to all parts of the world, making many trips to Denmark visiting their Danish families and exploring their Danish roots. Earl will be missed by many, yet none more than his family: sons, Tom (Anne), of Washington, Charles (Mary), of California, and John (C.J.), of Lake Havasu City. John and C.J. caringly watched over Earl for these many years. Earl also leaves behind four grandchildren, Holly (Stephen), Keith (Karin), Brian (Katie) and Bonnie; three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Phoenix and Lilly; and his lovely sister, Esther Mikkelsen and her family; and his brother Christy Larsen’s family. Earl is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Martina Larsen; his wife of 64 years, Ruth Hermansen Larsen; and brother Christian Larsen. Honoring Earl’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Internment will be at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Lake Havasu City. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial donation can be made to Hospice of Havasu in Earl Larsen’s name, designated to the Polidori House, 232 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.