Frank Rulon Larsen

Frank Rulon Larsen, age 88, graduated from this life on February 28, 2025, in Fruitland, Idaho, to join his parents and loved ones on the other side. He was born on June 5, 1936 in Emmett, Idaho, the fifth of seven children of Alvin Rudolph Larsen and Mary Evelyn Allred Larsen.

Frank grew up on a farm in humble circumstances. After graduating from Emmett High School in 1954, he left home to attend Brigham Young University (BYU). He left BYU to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Denmark Copenhagen Mission from 1956 to 1959. He then returned to BYU where he met the love of his life, Laura Ann Nye. They married in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 16, 1960 (64 years!). Frank graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from BYU in April 1961. Together Frank and Laura raised six children, one girl followed by five boys. 

After graduating from BYU, Frank and Laura worked for the United States Forest Service in Landmark, Idaho. They spoke fondly of their short time there in their tiny cabin. In September 1961 Frank accepted a job with the United States Department of Agriculture in Plant Protection and Quarantine which later was called the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. He was assigned to work in New York City, New York; Honolulu, Hawaii; Vacaville, California; and then Portland, Oregon retiring in June 1997. Frank resided in Vancouver, Washington for 51 years where he loved caring for his garden and beautiful yard. Wherever Frank went, he loved planting and growing things. 

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one who loves The Lord, he was always serving in one way or another. He is no doubt serving even now. He served as counselor to nine different bishops, in numerous other church leadership assignments, assisted missionaries for years, including housing missionaries for four years; and loved serving those in nearby assisted living centers. Frank served eight years as scoutmaster and several years in other scouting related assignments and earned the Silver Beaver Scouting award. Frank went on to serve four additional missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Laura in the New Mexico Albuquerque, Nebraska Winter Quarters Visitor Center, Salt Lake City Family History, and the Indiana Indianapolis Missions.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Evelyn Melugin, Vera Beeston, and Ruth Sims; and two brothers, Alvin and Aaron who both died in infancy. He is survived by: one sister, Carol Thomson; his wife Laura; his six children Amy (Dirk) Bunker, Frank (Erin) Larsen, Daniel (Tamara) Larsen, Michael (Frankie) Larsen, David (Derek Chrittenden) Larsen, and John (Marsha) Larsen; his 22 grandchildren: Nicole (Ricky) Anderson, Kierstin (Dustin) Van Tassell, Stacy (Hank) Toone, Jessica (Jarom) Fogle, Steven (Jenny) Bunker, Shannah (Skyler) Tanner, Rebecca (Zach) Hansen, Dallin (Katie) Larsen, Clark (Kaitlyn) Larsen, Sophia Larsen, Genevie (Tyler) Roylance, Kammi and Alex Irvin, Natalie Larsen, Blake Irvin, Jeremy (Darren Love) Irvin, Brandie (Matt) Goodfellow, Curtis (Stephanie) Larsen, Emily (Erik) Suarez, Kara Larsen, Brooke Larsen, and Troy Larsen; and his 43.5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held March 15, 2025 at 10:30 am (MST) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 325 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Fruitland, Idaho 83619; with a viewing held that morning from 8:30 to 9:50 am. Interment will be at the Park View Cemetery 3600 Highway 30 West, New Plymouth, Idaho 83655. Funeral arrangements handled by Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel 112 North 9th Street, Payette Idaho, 83661. Zoom Link to funeral services:https://zoom.us/j/92188717913?pwd=bPkWu66LUL7mhhYcraoFdFtY3Rbxig.1

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund.

The family appreciates the aid and support given by Ancora Hospice and Palliative Care Services of Fruitland: Dr. Billy Galligar: MSWs - Roni Ramos, Jesse Cobb, Liz Samson; SPC Steve Penner; Aides - Mackenzie Torres, Carmen Barrera, Maria Barba; Nurses - Janet Homestead, Kirsten Sears, Debbie Jaggers, Cherice States; Volunteer - Nyah Tubbs. Additionally, we thank Anna Shaw, Laurie Moss, and Amber Lance. The family expresses deep gratitude to the Frank and Georgia Martarano family.