Obituary: Larson, Kenneth C.

Sun., Nov. 24, 2013

LARSON, Kenneth C. (Age 97) Reverend Kenneth C. Larson died peacefully on November 20, 2013 at the age of 97.

He had lived at the Riverview in Spokane for the past 20 years.

Kenneth was born on June 25, 1916 in Stanton, Iowa to John and Victoria Larson.

He grew up on a farm with his older sisters, Iva and Doris, and younger brother, Donovan.

By age 10 he was proficient at driving a mule team.

Following high school graduation during the depths of the depression, Ken moved to Rock Island, Illinois where he graduated from Augustana College with a BA degree in 1938 and Augustana Seminary with an MDiv in 1942.

He was ordained by the Augustana Lutheran Church in 1942.

Ken married Elaine Maurice in Duluth, Minnesota on April 22, 1944.

Over the course of his ministry he served as a pastor in parishes and campus ministries in Minnesota, Texas, Illinois and Oregon.

He was the founding pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.

For a decade he served as a regional director doe Lutheran Campus Ministry at colleges and universities in Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa.

Ken had a lively, curious mind.

He loved reading a good book while sipping coffee and smoking his pipe.

Ken enjoyed travel and in retirement made several visits to Europe.

He had a keen interest in family history, and his research took him through many a court house and cemetery.

Kenneth and Mary Hall were married in Hayden, Idaho on February 20, 1997.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his wife of 43 years, Elaine Larson.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Mary Hall, his children: Christine (David) Anderson, Stephen (Rebecca) Larson, Victoria (Gary) Van Heuvelen, Timothy (Melinda) Larson, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Bethany Cemetery in Duluth, Minnesota at a future date.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Riverview Retirement Center and to Dr. Jeff Clode for years of wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2325 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005.

Please visit Kenneth’s online memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com, and leave a message of condolence.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

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