Alfred D. Larson

Alfred Daniel Larson (June 15, 1933 - December 28, 2011) was born the youngest child of five to Carl Oscar and Rose Larson in Kewanee, Illinois, on June 15, 1933. He attended Visitation Catholic Grade School and Kewanee High School. He served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge.

He met Dolores "Skelly" Larson while attending Illinois State University where he earned his Bachelors in Education. They married on August 31, 1957. Al attended University of Illinois receiving his Masters in Education. Al attended University of Kansas to obtain his Doctorate in Education. After receiving his Doctorate degree from the University of Kansas, he was offered a position as a professor teaching graduates how to teach the hearing impaired. Dr. Larson has taught in East St. Louis, Decatur School District, Illinois State in Normal and the University of Kansas Medical Center. He retired from University of Kansas after teaching for over twenty years.

Al and Skelly moved to Kansas for him to obtain his doctorate degree. They built a strong family foundation with nine children, twenty-one grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Their family is based in their Catholic faith as they are active parish members of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mission, Kansas. At St. Pius, Al was a Knight of Columbus member, 4th Degree and a member of the Legions of Mary. They have resided in the same house in Mission, Kansas, for 41 years.

Alfred was known for his humor, his intellect and his love for his family. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease when he was 41 years old. Al has helped with several studies at University of Kansas working towards a cure. He was known as Dr. Larson, Dr. Al, Big Al, Al, Dad, Pepa, Pops and Grandpa. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and the St. Pius community.

Dr. Larson is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dolores "Skelly" Larson; his brother, Larry Larson (Olga Larson), Kewanee, Illinois and their children: Kevin Larson, Williamstown, New Jersey, Marirose Larson, Mission, Kansas, Tim Larson, Overland Park, Kansas, Joanne Kendall, Round Rock, Texas, Dan Larson (Cathy Larson), Overland Park, Kansas, Michael Larson (Karen Larson), Shawnee, Kansas, Katie Stuck (John Stuck), Mission, Kansas, Nora Tripp (Mike Tripp), Shawnee, Kansas, and Tracie Mitchell, Lenexa, Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Piliponis; brother, Phillip Larson; and sister, Donna Larson.

All services will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church,5500 Woodson Road in Mission. The visitation will be from 6-8:30 p.m., on Friday, December 30, 2011. Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2011.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made, in Al’s name, to:

St. Pius X Catholic Church

5500 Woodson Road

Mission, Kansas 66202

or

Crossroads Hospice

11150 Thompson Avenue

Lenexa, Kansas 66219