The Funeral of Grandpa Larsen (by Katie)

The funeral was very nice. It was very short and only our family was there. The kids and granddaughters sang I am a Child of God. Ben did the life sketch and talked about his memories of fishing with Grandpa and catching his first fish. Then Brad spoke and shared stories from Grandpa's life. The most touching thing he shared was something grandma had said as they sat by his side in the days before he died. She said, "How did I get so lucky to have R.G.?"

Then we went to the cemetery. It was sooooo cold I couldn't feel my toes after a while. Fortunately it was short too. But it was really neat to have the military there. One soldier played taps on his trumpet. Not sure how he managed it when it was so cold! But it was very moving. Then the two soldiers folded up the flag and presented it to Grandma.

Then everyone went out to dinner at Olive Garden. Grandpa had told Brad to make sure everyone got a nice dinner. And while everyone was enjoying their nice dinner I was back at Erin's spending the evening sleeping and running to the bathroom! I had started feeling sick on the drive up that morning and felt really nauseous by the time we got there around 11:30. I knew it was more than just car sickness and was in tears because I didn't think I should go to the funeral in case it was contagious. I was especially worried about grandma catching it! But Kyle & Bowen gave me a blessing and I started to feel better. At least the nausea went away so I decided to go to the funeral and just keep my distance from everyone. I was very uncomfortable though as I tried to sit through the funeral. But I know the Lord blessed me to be able to at least go to the funeral and cemetery.

Before heading to Olive Garden we went to Erin's & I slept a bit and then it hit me really hard. I haven't been that sick in a long time. I was so disappointed to not be able to visit with everyone I haven't seen for so long! But I am grateful for the tender mercy of being able to make it through the funeral. Wish you all could have been there.

Love,
Katie

In Memory of R.G. Larsen: September 4, 1926-January 12, 2017 (Obituary)

This obituary notice was published in Post Register from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2017. Accessed online here.

A video slideshow of photos from the life of R.G. Larsen can be accessed here.

R.G. Larsen, 90, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at home surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Aspen Hospice.

R.G. was born Sept. 4, 1926, in the town of Monroe (Frogtown), Utah, to Vernon Roderick Larsen and Iva Leona Conder. R.G. was the middle child of five: Wallace, LaRue, Doone and Ann.

His early childhood was spent in Annabelle, Utah, near Kanab. When R.G. was 6, the family moved to Shelley, Idaho. In school, he enjoyed playing basketball and track, where he won many ribbons in high jump, broad jump, sprints and relays. In the summer of 1943, R.G. met his future wife and soulmate, Lillian Ruth Young. R.G. graduated from Shelley High School in 1944. With World War II still going on, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and went directly into the service. He finished a specialized college program for the Air Force Cadet flight training; however, by this time his specialized college program was over, World War II was coming to an end, and they no longer needed pilots. Subsequently, R.G. completed basic training at Shepard Field in Texas, then received B-29 remote gunnery training at Lowery Field in Denver, Colorado. R.G. was receiving additional vaccines in preparation to be sent overseas to the Philippines when orders came through to let all who had enlisted and volunteered for service be discharged from the service. He always felt fortunate for his circumstances and sorrow for those who had to be in harm's way.

On Sept. 7, 1946, R.G. married his high school sweetheart, Lillian, at her parents' home. Lillian and R.G. were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on Dec. 5, 1970. They were blessed with four children: Peggy, Kaleen, Craig and Brad. Recently in the fall of 2016, R.G. and Lillian celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Many family members throughout the country enjoyed visiting with R.G., and Lillian by video communication.

R.G. faithfully served in various callings in the LDS church, including many years as ward clerk of the Idaho Falls 16th Ward.

R.G. attended Montana State College, University of Utah and other special photography schools. In 1949, R.G. was hired by the Atomic Energy Commission, AEC, (later known as the Idaho National Laboratory site) as the 37th employee. He worked in security until 1952, when he was transferred and hired as a photographer to start up the photography department. While still working at the site, R.G. started a part-time photography studio in Idaho Falls which became his full-time employment when he left his job at the site. In 1951, he expanded his photography studios to Blackfoot and Pocatello. R.G. enjoyed taking pictures of weddings, family groups and portraits. R.G. retired from photography in 1982. In 1988, he purchased the Artists Colony Art and Frame Gallery. He expanded the art gallery, and in 1993, he sold the gallery and retired forever.

After retiring from photography, R.G. and Lillian enjoyed traveling together. Some of R.G.'s favorites were camping and fishing trips. R.G. and Lillian enjoyed packing up their motor home and searching for beautiful country and warm weather.

R.G. was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Conder and Vernon Larsen; sisters, LaRue, Doone and Ann; and his brother, Wallace. R.G. was the last surviving child. R.G. was very proud of his growing family. He is survived by his dear wife, Lillian Ruth Larsen, 88 years old, of Idaho Falls; four children, Peggy Grant, Kaleen Burke, Craig (Tammy) Larsen and Brad (Carol) Larsen; 10 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Aspen Hospice, especially Julie, Emily and Jasmine. In keeping with dad's wishes, private family services were held Saturday, Jan. 14, at Coltrin Mortuary. Burial was in Taylor Cemetery. The family would like to say thanks for all the kind thoughts, words and messages that were shared.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

Memory Tidbits of my Life by R.G. Larsen

My Memories of Grandpa Larsen (by Kristi)

Here are some of the memories I have of my maternal grandfather, R.G. Larsen.

Grandpa always had a smile for me, even if he didn't talk a lot. He would sit in his chair close by the t.v. and follow the conversation in the room. He grew beautiful roses in his yard.

I remember taking walks with Grandpa around the large beautiful yard of the house on the hill. I also remember fun times sledding on the hill. I remember at least one Christmas (maybe more?) that Grandpa made a snowman out of branches to decorate the front lawn.

Front of the house on Comish Drive

Back of the house on Comish Drive

I remember Grandpa holding and walking the baby cousins (like Morgan and Kylee). Grandpa always knew how to soothe the babies!

Grandpa was a photographer for his profession. He took this picture of me when I was 4 years old. I remember that he set up a studio with the lights and backdrop at his home. I also remember not wanting to have my picture taken, but in the end he was able to coax a smile out of me.

Kristi, 1984

I remember eating salmon that Grandpa had caught and prepared. I don't usually like to eat fish, but I did like that meal!

I remember visiting the art gallery that Grandpa owned.  Whenever we visited he would let me pick out a small poster/postcard. When he was getting ready to sell the gallery I got to pick out a larger poster, which he then framed. I chose a poster of Girls at the Piano, by Renoir.

One time I remember driving to Palisades with Grandpa and Grandpa and cousins and having a picnic lunch near the water. We roasted marshmallows for a treat. On our way home we stopped for ice cream at The Dam Store.

I remember how excited Grandpa was to show off his RV home.

In the year 2000 we had a Larsen family reunion. I believe that is the last time we had everyone together.

The Larsen Family in 2000 

Grandma and Grandpa with some grandchildren and great-grandchildren in 2000.

I attended school at Ricks College, which was a short driving distance from Grandma and Grandpa's home in Idaho Falls. I often spent school vacations in their home (Thanksgiving, summer days, General Conference weekends, etc) and I always felt welcome and loved there.

Thanksgiving, 2001.

Grandpa and Grandma helped me move my things out of my apartment in Rexburg, and drove my stuff to Provo, Utah when I began attending school at BYU. What a blessing and help that was to me!

Grandpa and Grandma drove to Utah to attend my wedding in May of 2004.

At the Salt Lake City Temple, May 4, 2002.

Jared and I lived in Utah in the early years of our marriage. Trips home to Canada meant an overnight stay with Grandpa and Grandma to break up the 12 hour drive, and we were always welcomed with love.

Jared, Kristi, Lillian, RG, 2003

 I have spent the last nearly eleven years living in Florida, and sadly, opportunities to visit have been very few. I was happy to see both Grandpa and Grandma in 2010 and in 2014, and have the opportunity for them to meet my children.

July 2010

The Tanner Family with Lillian and RG in July 2014

Grandpa and Grandma celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past year (September 2016).  We were able to Skype with them for a few minutes, which was a special treat. I think they thought that technology was pretty neat!

50th Wedding Anniversary

I will always remember Grandpa and Grandma Larsen with love and fond memories.

Birth Story: Kristi Leigh Grant

This memory was recorded by Dale Grant in March 2015.

Kristi made beautiful little girl number four for the Dale Grant Family. I was working at the sugar factory in Taber when she was born. I had gone to work in the morning and a little later I phone call came into the factory from Peggy and she thought that I had better come home. Peggy was having contractions. I went home only to find that the contractions had stopped. I hung around home feeling guilty that I was not at work and eventually went back in to work. My job was pump man and so I roamed all over the factory and out to the lake and down by the river to check pumps, service them, etc. Well at 4:00PM quitting time I showed back up inside the plant and everyone was asking where I had been. They had been trying to reach me because there was a call for me that my wife was having a baby. Usually when someone needed me they blew a whistle for me, but when I was in some areas of the factory, I could not hear my whistle. That is what happened that day. I was out in the sugar end of the factory and did not hear the whistle. So anyway, I got the message at 4:00PM and immediately went straightway to the hospital. As I went by the nurses desk by the front desk, a nurse congratulated me on the birth of a beautiful baby girl. Peggy did not get to break the news to me.

A little more info that I received from your mother later on. My father had taken her in to see the doctor for a scheduled appointment in the afternoon. When she was with the doctor he said what are you doing here get to the hospital as fast as you can, Dad and Peggy headed for the hospital and the doctor ran out of his office and to the hospital, which was one block away. I think the doctor did not get there in time or it was just in the nick of time, I am not sure now. When our children decided it was time to be born, they did not mess around. I have heard stories about some women being in labor for several hours sometimes 20 or more, but such was not the case with Peggy and our children. All came quite quickly once things started to happen.  

Another little interesting note about Kristi. When she was about 3 months old I would hold her and sing to her. I would sing the Beatles song “She Loves You”. There is a phrase that goes “she loves you yeah yeah yeah” and after I sang she loves you Kristi would sing yeah yeah yeah. It was really neat and cute that she would do that at such an early age. And thus started her musical life. What a great joy and pleasure she has brought to everyone with her music. Now I should add in here that all four daughters have music in them. 3 play the piano and other instruments and all 4 can sing. We had lots of good times singing around the piano. We would sing church hymns, popular modern songs and Phantom of the Opera, as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. That was a lot of fun.