Phyllis Larsen

Although her days were enriched in countless ways throughout her journey, Phyllis Larsen treasured nothing more than being with the ones she loved. She made it seem natural, even effortless, to think of others ahead of herself out of a heart that knew no bounds. Blessed to spend 57 years with her true love, Phyllis and her husband were filled with unspeakable joy to welcome children and grandchildren into the family. Throughout her life’s journey she was accompanied by an unwavering faith that was the compass she used to direct her steps. Phyllis was rarely one to be still and loved doing things like traveling, baking, and watching her grandchildren participate in various activities whenever she could. She will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished by her many friends and loved ones.

As the 1930s dawned in America we braced ourselves for what would be some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the crash of the stock market in October of 1929 sent our nation spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. These difficult days continued to plague us until our entrance into WWII in the early 1940s. It was just as this difficult decade was dawning that a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Phyllis June on June 19, 1930. She was one of four children born to her parents, Roy and Nora (Kerridge) Smith, and she was raised in the family home on Catawba Avenue in Muskegon. To support his family, Phyllis’ father was an engineer on a logging train for a time and later took a job at Bennett Pump Company. Her mother was primarily a homemaker, but she also did some baking for local families.

In many ways Phyllis and her siblings including Violet, Bernice, and Roy Jr. She liked ice skating and looked forward to family get togethers and playing cards when they could. Although Phyllis spent most of her life as a Lutheran, she grew up in the Baptist church. As a student she attended Angel Elementary School, Muskegon High School, and Muskegon Business School.

Life was forever changed for Phyllis when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Gerald Larsen, and they met at his college roommate’s house in Muskegon just two weeks after returning home from being stationed in Germany. A dating relationship began, and love took root. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Phyllis and Gerry were united in marriage on October 26, 1957, at Calvary Baptist Church in Muskegon. It was when Phyllis met Gerry that she became a Lutheran.

After a honeymoon in Northern Michigan the couple moved into their own home at 2215 Castle Avenue in Muskegon. Later, after moving to Grand Rapids, Phyllis began working at Ken-o-Sha Preschool as an aide for impaired children. She later worked there as a receptionist. Together they became the parents of three amazing children: Geoffrey in 1958, Gregg in 1961, and Susan in 1964. Phyllis had fantastic skills in the kitchen, which her family greatly appreciated, as she could often be found baking various pies, cookies, and desserts. She also made her own jam and canned fruit. As a family they took quite a few memorable trips to the Upper Peninsula and camped all over throughout Michigan. There were also three special trips when they drove their station wagon out West while pulling their camper, too. Later in life Phyllis was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she was active in the lives of her grandchildren including Kyle, Jake, Will, Allie, and Nick. She enjoyed cheering them on while they were playing sports, and at times she even traveled to watch them play whenever she could.

As her family and friends can attest, Phyllis was always on the go. She enjoyed being social and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and later, Bread of Life Lutheran Church in addition to being actively involved with the VFW and the Vikings. When going out to eat her favorite places were Applebee’s and 84th Street Grill, although she liked cooking for family and friends, too. Phyllis enjoyed being outdoors, and for several years she and Gerry kept a beautiful garden at their home on Tomahawk. She and her husband traveled down to Florida to visit Treasure Island in the spring. Additionally, Phyllis was a fan of music from Willie Nelson.

Daily life became more difficult for Phyllis and her loved ones when she suffered an aneurysm on July 12. Although she spent some time in the hospital she was able to come home where she was tenderly cared for by her family until she drew her last breath.

Gracious, generous, and loving are just three of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Phyllis Larsen. She was blessed with a servant’s heart and gentle spirit that laced everything she did. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis treasured her family above all else. A woman who was dearly loved, she will never be forgotten.

LARSEN – Mrs. Phyllis June (Smith) Larsen, died peacefully in her sleep at her home, family surrounding her, on Sunday July, 20, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Gerald Larsen; and children, Geoffrey Larsen, (Michelle Blanchard) and his children Kyle and Jake Larsen, Gregory Larsen, Susan (Larsen) Gee, her husband James and their children William, Allison, and Nicholas. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Smith Sr., her mother Nora, her sisters Violet and Bernice and brother Roy Jr. Phyllis was born in Muskegon, Michigan on June 19, 1930, graduating from Muskegon High School in 1948. She moved to Grandville, Michigan in the summer of 1966 where she made a home and raised her family. Phyllis was employed by Ken-o-Sha School for impaired children for 20 years. She enjoyed the hands on work with children and later enjoyed using her office skills at this same place. Phyllis also loved the Michigan State Spartans, baking for friends and family, and working in her garden, traveling to the U.P. and Florida to name a few. Most of all Mom loved her husband and family, she will be dearly missed. The Larsen family wishes to thank all neighbors, friends and St. Mary’s staff for the wonderful care, thoughts and prayers, we are blessed. Memorial services will be held Friday July 25, 2014 at 11:00AM at the Bread of Life Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior, 3570 Baldwin St. Hudsonville, MI. Please join the family for a time of fellowship and remembrance following services in Phyllis’s garden 3358 Tomahawk Dr. SW Grandville, MI. All are welcome! Memorial contributions may be made to The Bread of Life Lutheran Church.