Thomas "Tom" Larsen Obituary (1929 - 2011)

Thomas N. Larsen 16 Feb 1929 – 15 Dec 2011 A cold winter wind took away an amazing man Thursday. Each day, consciously, or unconsciously, we decide if we are going to have a good day and make a contribution to our families, those we work with and the world. Tom always decided it was a great day and he would make a difference in the lives of those around him. Tom Larsen was born in Milltown, WI to George and Hannah Larsen on 16 Feb 1929. He and Jane McLeod were married on 3 Nov 1951. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last month with joy of having had a long wonderful life together. He is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Steve (Susan) Jewell-Larsen, Nancy (Matt) Coffey, Becky (Tom) Chase, Sue (Tim) Coleman and Bill (Penny) Larsen; grandchildren, Nels (Jen) Jewell-Larsen, Lee (Beth) Larsen, Tess Jewell-Larsen, Ashley (Jason) Coffey Pribyl, Emily Coffey, Theresa Coffey, Hope Larsen, Amanda Larsen, and Sean Larsen; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Jackson Pribyl. Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Earl, Gordy, Lorene and Lester. Tom was a 4-H and Youth Agent for 33 ½ years of which 27 ½ years were in Dunn County, also having worked in Barron and Richland counties, where he committed his boundless energy and passion to create opportunities for the youth. He served for 6 years on the Menomonie Town Board and with his wife, Jane, volunteered for many years at the Senior Center and Moose Lodge. Since 1961 Tom and Jane have lived in the "Shadow of the Irvington Mountain" which they loved and made their home and transformed the steep farmland to a wonderful forest. In Tom's words: "A positive approach to life and living has always been the guidance system for my life. The true thrill of living is setting goals, identifying needs, solving problems, working to reach them and the learning with growth resulting." One of his favorite quotes was "You're burning daylight. You can sleep when you are dead." Sleep well Tom, we will remember you and miss you. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at The United Methodist Church in Menomonie, WI with Pastor Don Gribble officiating. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.