Thomas E. Larsen, age 73, of West Bend, passed away Friday December 7, 2007, at Kathy Hospice.
He was born on August 12, 1934 in Racine, to the late Ernest and Gladys (nee Melby) Larsen, and moved with his family to Hayward at a young age.
The 6' 5' basketball star received a scholarship and graduated from UW Superior with a Degree in Education. Tom dedicated 33 years to the Kewaskum School District, serving as teacher and later as principal at the Farmington and Wayne elementary schools, and the former Beechwood School.
Tom was united in marriage to Laura Rose Baertlein on August 12, 1961 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, West Bend. She preceded him in death in 1990. Tom was then united in marriage to Shirley Reuter in 1991 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum.
He was a member of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish, West Bend, and the Kewaskum Lyon's Club. Tom embraced playing golf, reading about golf, watching golf videos, and the golf channel. He was a golf instructor at Hon-E-Kor Golf Club in Kewaskum. He was also very active with the Kewaskum Recreation Department. His dedication to his family, friends, students, and career will be remembered by the community.
Tom is survived by his wife, Shirley; three children, Craig (Janet Mundt) Larsen of West Bend, Brian (Robin) Larsen of Sheboygan, and Linda Larsen of West Bend; two step-sons, Chris Mayo of Waupun, and Mark (Lisa) Mayo of Orange City, FL; three grandchildren, Ryan, Kendra, Brittney Larsen; a step-granddaughter, Clarissa Mayo; a great-granddaughter, Adrianna Larsen; two sisters, Shirley (Dick) Gillis of Hayward, and Karen (John) Brandt of La Crosse; a brother, Gerold (Phyllis) Larsen of Luck; other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday December 13th at 6:00 pm at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish. Rev. Michael Moran and Rev. Charles Schluter will concelebrate. Visitation will be Thursday at the church only from 2:00 pm until the time of Mass. Burial will take place Friday at 10:00 am in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Kewaskum. Memorials to the American Cancer Society are appreciated. Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service of West Bend is assisting the family.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Gary Preisler, Dr. Stewart Wong, Froedtert Oncology Unit, and Kathy Hospice, for the special care extended to Tom.