Lawrence Leland Larsen

Lawrence Leland Larsen, 69, of Hartford, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015. Larry, as he was known by all who knew him, was born Aug. 27, 1946, in Watervliet, the son of Aage and Hildreth (Balfour) Larsen, both of whom preceded him in passing. He was also preceded in passing by a sister, Reneé Thompson.

Larry married Robyn Brubaker on April 19, 1980. She survives, along with three children: Lawrence Larsen II and Emily Larsen, both of Chicago; and Katie Sue (Eric) Peterson of Centreville, Utah. He is also survived by five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Denise Groenke of Eau Claire; and a brother, Brian (Ann) Larsen of Coloma.

Larry was a former Marine who served in Vietnam. After the war he traveled extensively, hitchhiking across the country and making stops in more than 30 states while living for short periods in Chicago, California and Florida, before eventually settling down back in his hometown. In his later years he preferred the train for interstate travel, and as for local transportation, he was best known for bombing around in his rusty, red Ford F-150.

He was avid reader whose favorite authors were Mark Twain and John Steinbeck, whom he considered the two greatest American authors. His fondness for the written word and commitment to public service led him to become president of the Hartford Public Library for many years. Larry would later run for mayor, losing by only a single vote. Larry, like his father before him, was a carpenter by trade. He was a proud union member and a vocal Democrat.

His children credit him with introducing them to the aforementioned authors, as well as the bands Cream, Pink Floyd and the Eagles, and films such as "Easy Rider," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "2001: A Space Odyssey." Larry introduced his family to many things: a love for the city of Chicago, political opinion and community mindedness, but, most important, the love and faith in God and family. For these and many other reasons, he will be missed.

As per Larry's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a graveside memorial service will be at a later date in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford, with Deacon Arthur Morsaw officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to Hartford Public Library or Hartford Lions Club. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.