Escanaba, MI
Bernard H. Larson, Sr. of Escanaba, age 97, joined the realm of angels on Wednesday September 4, 2013 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Bernie was born on April 30, 1916 in Rock, MI, the sixth child of August and Anna (Nauer) Larson. He graduated from Rock High School in 1934. He lived in Escanaba in 1934 and 1935 while attending Cloverland College and then moved to Green Bay, WI for one year while attending the Badger Green Bay Business College. Bernie spent his early years working in his father
Ellie LaFreniere - Gladstone, MI
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. A wonderful man is now in heaven with his wife. My deepest sympathies.
Elizabeth Monson Herner - Temecula, Ca
I worked with Bernie at the First National Bank in the 60’s. He was such a sweet kind person. My condolences to his family.
Christopher Gill (and Linda)
Our condolences to Jan/Pete, Bernie/Linda and families on the passing of Uncle Bernard. He lived a good life; making a difference for many including me. I have great childhood memories of visits at Uncle Butch and Aunt Edna’s house, their always amazing Christmas trees, the perfectly manicured lawn (without a riding mower even!) and Uncle Bernard’s commitment to his work, community, family and faith. I lost track of the number of times he seated us for Mass during his long tenure as usher. Best memory of all – Santa’s surprise visit to our house on a cold December night – years later I would learn it was Uncle Butch – I should have known that the kind eyes and smile behind that red and white suit was my uncle. Thank you Uncle Bernard for your love and legacy. Rest well and Godspeed as you join the angels indeed!
Mike Harper - Grand Prairie, TX
What a great man with a great life and supporting family. Many are blessed who had the privilege of spending time with him.
Janna Lovejoy - La Center, WA
Great Uncle Butch certainly had a way with kids. Long ago, I was keenly fascinated with Uncle Butch’s war injuries. He would always patiently oblige my curiosity, and then re-tell the story about how he had become injured. Each time, the experience left me awe-struck. The last time we talked, I had stopped by his home and, of course, found him outside planting flowers! Such a gracious gentleman, good-humored, and so kind. To cousins Bernie and Jan, I share your loss, and I will always cherish the memories.
David Dowse and Family
To the Family and Friends of Bernhard Larson
Uncle Butch was a great man. He was always the kindest, gentlest person, always helpful, always thoughtul. His charater truly impressed me and I wish there were more people like him in this world. It is sad that he has now left us, but I will never forget him, and will always try to follow his example.
With my deepfelt sorrow and best wishes to his entire family.
Pete Baker - Escanaba, MI
His parents and Church taught him about service to others. His life was a testimony to those teachings. From serving food to lumberjacks in winter camps, caring for wounded soldiers on a battlefield, oversight of “his” banking customers, supporting hospice patients and their families or working in free health clinic, his life was an example of service to others. Truly a member of the greatest generation, rest in peace good and faithful servant!
DEBORAH COLLINS
Bernie was my grandfather. He was the most gentle and sweet person! And one of the funniest too….without realizing it or trying to be. A few years after becoming an esthetician, I remember giving Bernie his first facial. ( a tradition that was continued by Dad and Jan). He went on and on about it and it made me feel very happy to be able to do something nice for him. We are all very thankful to God for showing us love, humility, bravery and kindness through Bernie.
Debi Collins & family
Beth Carlson
“Bernie” as we called him at MFC 1st National Bank & Trust Co., Escanaba, when I worked with him in the mid 1970’s. I married a Rock boy and Bernie knew my in-laws well, Cliff Carlson my Father-in-law and “Toodie” who is my Mother-in-law. Bernie loved her cooking! I’ve never worked with a more kind and caring man, than Bernie Larson. Soft spoken, yet very smart. Anything he did, he did with a passion. His smile always lit up a room too! Thank you Sir, for your service to this country. It is because of brave men like you, and your: “Greatest Generation,” that we are “The United States of America”. Our Deepest Sympathies to the Larson Family.
Beth and Randy Carlson
Beverlee Witty - Dallas, Tx
I only met Bernie a couple of times but he was so gracious and nice on both occasions. I know he meant a lot to my brother Pete, his son-in law, and of course to his ever faithful daughter Jan who took such good care of him, and to his son Bernie jr and his wife. I know you will have many fond memories and may God comfort you in your time of loss.
Barbara A Nelson
Bernie and I shared the same birth date but not the year!!! His niece would see too it that we where wished happy birthday’s each year on one of the radio stations.Memories of Bernie will go on for many years in the minds of all who knew him.
Prayers and sympathies to all of his family and friends.
Barbara A Nelson
Bernie and I shared the same birth date but not the year!!! His niece would see too it that we where wished happy birthday’s each year on one of the radio stations.Memories of Bernie will go on for many years in the minds of all who knew him.
Prayers and sympathies to all of his family and friends.
Robb Gill
My condolences on the passing of my Great Uncle Bernard to his families.
He and Aunt Edna lived a great life. They were way ahead of their time when it came to fitness and overall health issues.
It surely helped them live long and meaningful lives.
I was lucky to have Uncle Butch in my life for 48 years. Whether I was visiting him at the bank as a kid or visiting him at the Bishop Noa Home a few weeks ago, he had the special talent of always making you feel that you were the most important person in the room.
He taught me many things; as a very young kid he helped me learn how to swim at the old Larson’s cabin. In high school, he taught me how to play bridge and he had the difficult task of teaching my church group and me how to do yard work, our community service project. Who else would St. Anne pick to be our teacher other than the man with the best manicured lawn in town.
Uncle Butch was a very distinguished man. In college, he taught me how to dress by giving me his copies of GQ magazine. He also taught me how to age with grace and to savor each day, as life goes by very fast.
Rest well and Godspeed as you take your place in heaven.
Robb Gill
Mike and Lou Baker - Aurora, Il
I always enjoyed my visits to Escanaba to spend time with Dad, Jan, Bernie, Linda, and Grandma and Grandpa Larson. Both were always so good at making me feel like I was right at home. I was always amazed to know that Grandpa Larson was able to do so much even with his combat injuries. He was such a sweet and gentle man and I am so proud to have been a part of his life. Til we meet again…Semper Fi!
Tom and Puz Cleary
To the family of a very kind and gentle man who happens to be my uncle and Godfather. Only wish I could have known him and the family better in those years I missed. Getting better acquainted in later years made me realize how much I did miss. What a special person and family you all are. Uncle Bernard will be missed by all of our family. Love you Tom and Puz
Byron Dowse - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Bernard Larson was one of those rare individuals who established himself as a “class act” – an exemplary example of what all human beings should strive to be. He never complained that a World War II land mine took one of his eyes and the lower half of one leg. Instead, he showed warmth and kindness wherever he went. A pure “gentleman” through and through. I feel most fortunate to have had him as my great uncle. A part of the Greatest Generation has now passed. It is now up to us to build upon that legacy. The passing of Bernard Larson should serve as inspiration to re-dedicate our lives in selfless service to our families, friends and communities. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave because of quiet patriots like Bernard Larson made it so. It is only appropriate to say “Vises min Uncle!” Swedish for “See you later my Uncle!”
Nancy Durkin - Fayetteville , NY
Bernard was my mom’s last remaining cousin. She often spoke fondly of him remembering their youth together in Michigan. When my mom died in January he sent a lovely tribute to her. Our condolences to his family. The Family of Eva Joseph
Don Darmogray
Dear Larson Family and Friends:
I was sorry to here of Bernie’s passing . . .He was one of the finest gentleman and nicest men I had the honor of knowing and doing business with. Bernie Rest in peace . .
Katherine Ayers
Bernard was the last of my mothers’s first cousins. My Grandmother Bertha Klettke and Bernard’s Mom were sisters. My mother, Lil Kallman, died in 2009 at age 91. Eva Joseph, Lil’s last living sister, died in January of this year at age 97. They would often relate their fun times visiting their Larson cousins in Rock when they were little. The Klettkes had no car so Uncle August would drive to Escanaba, pick them up and take them to Rock. Then he would do the round trip again to take them back. Not an easy task with the rough roads and first vehicles.
Bernard was always very kind with a positive attitude that didn’t quit. His service for us during WWII says it all. Such an unselfish man and without a complaint. We will always be thankful for what he did.
When Eva died Bernie sent a lovely e-mail to the funeral home through son-in-law Pete. The Pastor giving the funeral message was so impressed that he included it in his eulogy.
We send our love and sympathy to you, Jan and Pete, and Bernie Jr. and Linda. We know your Dad will be greatly missed. But what an example he was to us all.
Jeanene Brandt - Lake City, MI
Our thoughts and prayers to you at the loss of your sweet dad. I have so many fond memories of your dad when I would be hanging out at your house. I can picture him sitting in his recliner chair with his artificial leg next to him on the floor. It took me a few times to get used to that! What a great gentleman.He will be missed by all who were lucky to know him.