Gustav "Gus" O. Larsen

Gustav “Gus” O. Larsen, 92 of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019. Gus was born June 25, 1927, in Lacrosse, WI; son of Gustav A. and Agatha (Oefstedal) Larsen. He was a 1945 graduate of Rockford East High School, then served in the U.S. Navy in the latter months of World War II. Graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN in 1950. On June 30, 1951 he was united in marriage to Eulalie Ann Engen in Northwood, ND.
Gus was employed as an agent of the Principle Financial Group, formerly Bankers Life of Iowa, for 67 years. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1961. In 1971 he was inducted into the Bankers Life Hall of Fame as the youngest agent to have achieved that honor, then at the age of 44. He was a charter member of the Principal’s Agent’s Advisory Council and served as secretary and president. As a member of NAIFA and the American Society of CLU, he served in all the offices in the Rockford Chapters. He was honored with the Arthur F. Priebe Award for exceptional service to his clients. He was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
Gus was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Gus loved to play tennis and spend time at their lake home in Northern Wisconsin. In 1948, in the final paragraph of a sociology term paper, Gus wrote: “I have been blessed with many things – fine parents, wonderful home and family life, church training, and a desire to live quite simply. It is one of my main hopes and aspirations that I may in turn give to my own family these blessings.” His life has been an enactment of that statement – mission accomplished.
Gus is survived by his wife, Lee; sons Ned (Cindy) Larsen, Andrew (Frankie) Larsen of Rockford, and Arne Larsen of Northwood, ND; his grandsons, Nathan and Chandler Larsen of Rockford; his brother-in-law Byron (Donna) Engen of Mount Dora, FL; his sister-in-law Jean Larsen of Rockford; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by parents; sisters Marjorie Lomperis and Lois Sibole and brother, Roald Larsen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 26th of October at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford, IL 61107 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or Rockford Rescue Mission. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.