JOHN EDWARD LARSEN
John Edward Larsen, 87, died July 24, 2011, at home. Born in Providence, RI to immigrant parents on January 7, 1924, John wrote fondly of his family, childhood and education there in his book “John Larsen Boy to Man”. John graduated high school one month after Pearl Harbor, and enlisted in the Army Air Force in December 1942. He ended up in the Army driving a jeep with Co K, 386 Infantry Regiment, of the 97th Division. He served in Germany until the end of war operations and then was sent to Japan as part of the initial army of occupation. Under the GI Bill, John graduated from Washington U, St. Louis, with a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1950. He won a job with his only employer, General Electric and settled in Schenectady, NY, with a new bride, a new house, a new car. Soon there were 6 children, a Masters from Rensselaer Polytechnic 1956, and a passion for boating on Lake George with the Power Squadron. The family moved in 1964 with GE Motors to Fort Wayne. John was awarded 13 patents. He enjoyed traveling for GE to Turkey, Europe and Mexico. He was an active 4-H dad, YMCA Board member and swimmer, and Boy Scouter. He was awarded the Gerald Phillippe Award and Elfun Community Service Award and the BSA Silver Beaver & Vigil honors. John loved inventing things in his garage. After 37 years with GE, John retired to set up his own company, CTMM, for 13 years. He used his skills of analysis & design to help other entrepreneurs succeed. Memberships include NRA Life Member, Sigma Nu fraternity, Sons of Norway, and over 60 years with Boy Scouts. He loved Camp Little Turtle, introduced Wood Badge training here, and did the Mile Swim into his 80s. He was baptized in the Episcopal Church and attended 2 Methodist Churches in Fort Wayne. Surviving are wife of 25 years, Louise, 6 children; Penny A. Baughan (daughter Jessica), John E. Larsen Jr., David A. Larsen (wife Stephanie, children Lindsey & Daniel), William R. Larsen (wife Lenore, children WR “Billy”, Kari, Katie, Laura, Andrew), Scott A. Larsen, Kim I. Larsen, 2 stepsons; Phillip EC Humphrey, Michael AJ Humphrey (wife Marie-Aline, children Lauren & Erik), 2 nieces, nephew, cousins in England, Norway, USA and Louise’s family in Canada. Preceded in death by his parents, Hans & Alice Larsen, sister Mary Carole & spouse Ray Donahue, his children’s mother, Pauline (Pam) McMillan. John lived a full life. He cherished his family, his friendships. He loved the USA. Special thanks to Visiting Nurse & Hospice, who helped us care for John at home for two years. Services were 2:00 p.m. Friday at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd. with calling 30 minutes prior to service. There was also calling Thursday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial gifts are invited for Boy Scouts of America Anthony Wayne Area Council 8315 W. Jefferson Blvd. Ft. Wayne, IN 46804-8306, Little River Wetland Project 2403 Fairoak Drive, Ft. Wayne, IN 46809 or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46814. Scouting uniforms welcomed.
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