George Larson

VISITATION

4-7 p.m., Thursday, May 22 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and from 10-11 a.m., Friday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls.

SERVICE

11 a.m., Friday, May 23 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls.

George Robert Larson, age 76, departed on his final journey on Sunday, May 18, 2014, in the loving arms of his wife, Betty, and surrounded by his family.

He was born January 27, 1938 to Orina (Johnson) and Henry Larson. George was the oldest of five sons born to Henry and Orina and all preceded him in death. He attended schools in Osseo and was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1963.

George married Betty Nyre on April 9, 1983 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. They were married on Betty's mom's birthday.

George's passion was driving motorcoaches. One of his favorite songs was "I've Been Everywhere Man" and George truly has been everywhere. He drove from Florida to Alaska, Nova Scotia to California and the Provinces of Canada. He transported Eau Claire and Menomonie University students to sporting events and many area high school students to various activities, many church groups for outings and hundreds and hundreds of tours. George had the pleasure of touring with the Moscow Symphony across the United States and the Little Eagles of Siberia all over the country. He was at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 when the bomb blast occurred. George drove the University students to Washington DC for many years. He often said he knew Washington DC better than Eau Claire or Chippewa Falls. He made friends easily wherever he went.

George was a kind, gentle man with a unique sense of humor. For more than 45 years, he took great pride in providing safe travel experiences to many thousands of passengers over millions of miles. His favorite destination was Alaska. Back in the late 70's and early 80's, George was one of the pioneers who traveled the rustic Alcan Highway, later known as the Alaska Highway. George truly believed the only way to experience Alaska was by motorcoach and he truly believed "Alaska is God's Country." His eagle collection was inspired by the many eagles he saw on his many tours to Alaska.

Survivors include his wife Betty; a son, Steve (Tammy) Larson of Eau Claire; a step-daughter, Julie (Tony Sbraggia) Martinez of Eleva; a step-son, Jeff (Lona) Nyre of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Faye Larson of Eau Claire, a brother-in-law, Roy (Cheryl) Borseth of Chippewa Falls; three grandsons, Jacob (Alison) Larson, Ryan (Amanda) Larson, Nathan (Bobbi) Larson all of Eau Claire; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Madelyn and Ava Larson; four step-grandsons, Oscar (Nichole) Martinez of Houston, Texas, Alex (Becca Donnelly) Martinez of Eau Claire, Deyton Nyre of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Montana Sbraggia of Eleva; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Charles, Richard, Marshall and David Larson.

George's family wishes to thank all those that gave love and support, a phone call or a visit. We thank Dr. Sal Obaid and his nurse Peggy; Dr. Paul Ippel, his nurse Sandy; Pastor Paul Oppedahl, Kelly Jensen and Our Savior's Lutheran Church family. A special thanks to Sander Engelsgjerd, your kindness and support shown to George will always be remembered.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 23 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiating.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path God laid for me,

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me.

God wanted me now. He set me free.

AFERSERVICE

A funeral service for George R. Larson, 76, of Chippewa Falls was held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 23 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiated and music was provided by organist, Barbara Sandford and vocalist, Nikki Harper. The eulogy was given by Kelly Jensen and Rev. Peter Scheifelbein.

Casket bearers were Jacob, Ryan and Nathan Larson, Oscar and Alex Martinez, Deyton Nyre, Montana Sbraggia and honorary casket bearer was Sander Engelsgjerd. Military honors were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council and Frankie Rineck bugled taps.