Clarence Martin Larsen

Clarence Martin Larsen, 78, of Esko died Monday, August 9, 2004 in St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, surrounded by his family, thus peacefully ending his valiant struggle against an acute lung disease. Beloved son of Norman A. and Mildred (Roley) Larsen, Clarence was born January 24, 1926 in Duluth. He grew up in the village of Thomson and attended Carlton Schools. In 2000, Clarence received his honorary diploma from the Carlton High School. Clarence worked for Potlatch for 45 years until his retirement in 1988. He served during WWII in the U.S. Navy. He was united in marriage to Ellen D. Johnson on September 4, 1948 in Esko. Clarence was active in many Carlton County organizations. He was a member of the Esko Apostolic Lutheran Church where he was the custodian for many years. A faithful area nursing home volunteer, he enjoyed taking his grandchildren along as helpers. He was a member of the Nopeming Auxiliary and served as past president. He was also a member of the Hebert Kennedy VFW Post 3979 of Cloquet and served on the House Committee for the Post. Clarence was a member of the Military Order of the Cooties and served as Hospital Chairman and Adjutant. He was a former president of the Esko Senior Citizens and also a member of the Esko Historical Society, Suomi Klubi, and the OLD GEEZERS. Clarence was a member of the Northwoods Credit Union Board and served on the Lutheran Brotherhood (Thrivent) Board. Clarence shared his time and talents with many of the programs at Volunteer Services of Carlton County including DayBreak Group Respite, Faith in Action -Communities Called to Care, Senior Outreach and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The staff of Volunteer Services considered him to be a mentor and a friend. He was the 2004 Co-President of the Carlton County Council on Aging. He received several nominations for the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Carlton County. He was preceded in death by an infant son; and a brother, Norman I. Larsen. Clarence is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen; his sons, Steven and David (Lynette) Larsen both of Esko; his daughters, Susan (Gregory) Oates of Two Harbors, Doreen (Nicholas) Fantasia of Brookline, N.H., and Elizabeth (Royce) McLaughlin of Esko; Fourteen grandchildren, Christian West, Kelly and Erik Larsen, Jeremy, Rachel and Michael Schock, Nicholas and Dominic Fantasia, Brandon, Ashley and Cody Ojutkangas, Sarah Brandt and Deborah McLaughlin; and Christopher Chandler; twelve great grandchildren, Nathan, Kelsey, Kayla, Katelin, Jacob, Ethan, Emily, Brandon, Joshua, Andrew, Max and Marcus. A funeral service was held on Thursday, August 12, 2004 in Apostolic Lutheran Church in Esko. Military Honors were accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery in Carlton. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet.