Robert Larson

Through the life of Robert Larson we learn what it means to truly live as he experienced so many of the true joys that life has to offer. He was more than willing to work hard at whatever task was at hand and never tired of doing what was right. It could be said that Bob mastered the art of being a father as he was able to skillfully balance the dance of providing his children with loving guidance and discipline when needed with the leniency to find their own way in their own time. With the love of his life by his side for more than 50 years, he created a legacy that is rich in integrity, honor, and good old fashioned kindness towards others. The memories Bob leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for generations to come.

As the 1920s loomed on the horizon, the world looked to America for what was to come as our steady assurance and final victory in WWI established our nation as a world leader. This was a predominantly prosperous time in America full of changes that were taking us places we had never been. Thanks to Henry Ford and the assembly line, consumers could now purchase a car for under three hundred dollars and with prohibition as the law of the land, speakeasies cropped up in every city within our country’s borders. It was amidst this time of discovery that there was much to celebrate in one young family from Allegan, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on June 8, 1920. Robert was welcomed into the arms of his parents, Waldo and Ella Edna Mena Freda (Heiss) Larson, and was the second of six children in his family including his older brother, Waldo, and his younger siblings, Marjorie, Ralph, Clifford, and Renee. His birth occurred at the family home with the doctor making a house call that resulted in a mere two dollar charge. Bob, as he was often known, was raised in Allegan where he was close to his siblings, especially to his brother Ralph. His parents were local fox farmers who worked hard to provide for their bustling family.

In many ways Bob experienced a childhood that was fairly common for the youth of his generation. He often watched his mother cook and picked up many of her skills that would serve him well throughout his lifetime. For his education Bob attended local schools where he played football. He was also a regular at Trowbridge United Methodist Church, often going to services with the neighbors in their buggy. Bob was unable to finish his formal education as a young man as he left Allegan High School before graduating, which was commonplace for young people during the thirties. He was able to finish his education later in life, however.

Although President Franklin D. Roosevelt had great hopes of America remaining neutral while WWII enveloped much of Europe, this plan was dashed after the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. We engaged in the fight for freedom the very next day, sending countless servicemen and women overseas. Bob honorably served during this time of great need loading bombs on B-17 airplanes.

With his duty to his country fulfilled, Bob returned home. Like a page torn from a romance novel, Bob met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life when he jumped on the hood of her car to get her attention on V-E Day, May 8, 1945. After falling deeply in love over the months and years that followed, the couple eloped to Indiana and was united in marriage on March 12, 1949.

Eager to begin their lives together as husband and wife, the newlyweds settled into married life after a honeymoon in Maine. Together they were blessed with six children: Robert, Janet, Jo, Ralph, Leif, and Linda. As a parent Bob was second to none as he was both an authoritarian and someone who was more than generous with his children as well. In order to support his family Bob worked hard as the owner of Hooper Tavern and also as a time study engineer at Valley Metal. He also worked for the Plainwell Paper Company.

Throughout his life Bob was a man of many interests. He enjoyed the companionship of his two beloved dogs, his Collie named Shep and his Beagle named Tuffy. Bob liked being social and was a member of the VFW #303 and of the local Masonic Lodge. He loved nature and was so blessed to live on 90 acres where he knew all of the trees on his property. When it came to music, Bob was a fan of the old country and western tunes.

A truly remarkable man, Robert Larson was a special man to his many friends and loved ones. He was a highly intelligent man who was self-taught and well educated in a variety of subject matters. Bob delighted in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom he viewed as life’s greatest reward. It will never be the same without Bob here, but all who knew him will be forever grateful for having been touched by such an extraordinary man. He will be deeply missed.

Robert Larson died on Saturday, July, 9, 2011. Bob’s family includes his six children: Robert W. (Brenda) Larson, of GA; Janet Shinn, of GA; Jo (Gary) VanLent, of OH; Ralph Larson, of Shelbyville, Leif (Sue) Larson, of Otsego; Linda (Tony) Shumaker, of Hopkins; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters: Marjorie Naylor, of Plainwell and Renee Bratlee, of Martin. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta in 1998 and three brothers, Waldo, Ralph and Clifford. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 23 from 10-11 a.m. at the Trowbridge United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be at the Miner Cemetery. Please visit Bob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Heartland Hospice. The family is being assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881).