Wayne E. Larson

Wayne E. Larson, age 86 of Reeve, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, surrounded by his   family.  Wayne lived a happy life and touched people with his compassion and sense of humor.

Wayne Eugene Larson was born on February 3, 1928, in Vance Creek Township, Barron County, WI, the son of Arthur & Catharine (Seeger) Larson.  He grew up in Vance Creek, was baptized and confirmed at United  Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm, WI, and  attended Clayton Schools.  In 1946, Wayne joined the US Navy and served on the USS Shangri-La at the end of WWII.  On          August 23, 1947, he married Iris Jean Gale in Castro Valley, California.  They came back to Reeve then moved to Mauston, WI for a short time before returning to make their home in Reeve, WI .  Wayne was the proud father of seven children:  Joe, Mona, Don, Dan, Beth, Richard, & Jean and grandpa to numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  Wayne was a kind, gentle, thoughtful man who valued hard work and caring for those less fortunate.  Most of all he loved his family.  Wayne worked as a truck driver, spending the bulk of his career with Indianhead Truck Lines hauling freight between St. Paul and Chicago, before  officially retiring in 1985.  He continued to drive for TMC Pontoons in Poskin, WI, even delivering a pontoon to Alaska.  He drove truck until the last few months of his life.  In his spare time he enjoyed the simple pleasures of cutting wood, working with tractors, and spending time with his family.  He often entertained friends and family with his singing and storytelling while playing cards and hunting deer.  He was a member of the Moon Lake Thresherman’s Association.  Wayne had a strong, quiet faith which showed through as he lived his life with integrity.  He worshipped with his faith family at the Reeve Evangelical Free Church.  Wayne will be remembered by family and friends for his infectious smile, positive attitude, and his constant reaching out to help  others.  He enriched our lives and the lives of everyone he touched.  Our father was compassionate, selfless, generous, and devoted to serving others.  He loved and was loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur & Catharine Larson; brothers, Don and Lynn Larson; sister, Iris Grivna; infant sisters, Elwanda & Eileen Larson; brothers-in-law, Andy Grivna and Ronnie Hatch; and grandchildren Robert Larson, Jolene Larson, and Eric Larson.

Survived by
Wife of 67 Years  -  Iris Larson - Reeve, WI

Sons and Daughters
Joe (Betty) Larson - Bloomer, WI
Mona (Randy) Paulson - Clear Lake, WI
Don (Jill) Larson - Centuria, WI
Dan (Jocelyn) Larson - Menomonie, WI
Beth (Keith) Smith - Big Lake, MN
Richard (Julie) Larson - Boyceville, WI
Jean Larson (Scott Ertle) - St. Croix Beach, MN

Grandchildren
Michelle Rufledt, Keri Espinal, Paula Hyde, Craig Dorn, Ron Dorn, Jeremy Larson, Kelly Loibl, Ashley Larson, Melissa Larson, Andrea Hoag, Scott Larson, Andrew Smith, Kristin Leines, Victoria Larson, Jessy Larson, Aaron Moe, Paige Moe, & Eric Moe.

35 Great-Grandchildren  &  2 Great-Great-grandchildren

Sisters
Marlene (Dave) Briggs, Kay (Dale) Westlund, Jill (Roger) Hatch, & Cathy Hatch.

Sister-in-Law
Bernice Larson.

Many nieces, nephews, family & friends

Memorial Service - 1 pm on Saturday,  October 18, 2014, at the Reeve Evangelical Free Church in Reeve, WI.

Visitation - Friday October 17, 2014, from 4-7 pm at the Reeve Evangelical Church
and one hour before the service on Saturday at the church.

Clergy - Rev. Todd Groat.        Music - Brian Grivna (Wayne's nephew), Skip Russell (friend), & the Larson great-grandchildren.

Interment at the  Reeve Cemetery in Vance Creek, WI
with Military Honors provided by the Clear Lake Area All Veterans Honor Guard.

Scheuermann Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Clear Lake handled the arrangements.
www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

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