Lawrence Rodney Larson

Lawrence Rodney Larson was born on February 14, 1934 in Viroqua, Wisconsin. His parents were Ada and Lawrence Larson. The family moved to LaCrosse, Wisconsin where Rod grew up, attended high school, and went to University, where he graduated in 1955 with a BS degree in Chemistry. Then, he served in the Navy for two years where he was assigned to duty on the destroyer USS George K. MacKenzie DD 836. From 1957-1961, Rod worked in Norway, Michigan in a plant that made granules for roof shingles. From 1961-1964, he served in the Peace Corps in Nigeria. In 1964, Rod enrolled as a chemist with the USGS in Lincoln, Nebraska. From there he was transferred to Worland, Wyoming, then Salt Lake City, Utah, and finally to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Here he built his house on the outskirts of Cheyenne. With his previous wife, Marilyn, he raised his children and cultivated a fabulous vegetable garden with asparagus, many different vegetables and delicious tomatoes. In the mountains he built a cabin where he skied with his family. In later years traveling was on the agenda and with current wife, Ingrid, he visited many countries including New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Alaska and Mexico, the latter with the Airstream. He visited Norway several times and explored his ancestor's birthplaces. At home, gardening was his passion. He loved his family, and enjoyed cutting wood and observing the flames in the wood stove. He loved watching the birds at the feeders. Rod was the most kind, thoughtful person and he will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Marilyn Larson. He is survived by his current wife Ingrid R. Larson, daughter Ingrid Louise Larson, son Erik Jon Larson, and his grandchildren; Kristen Anne Larson Derrick, Christopher Jon Larson Derrick, Noah Daniel Larson, and Sadie Erin Larson. He is also survived by Ingrid's daughters; Karen Cox and Susan Skidmore, and Susan's daughter, Fiona.