Ralph S. Larson

Ralph S. Larson, 84, departed this earthly life surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 7, 2010, in Rockford Memorial Hospital. He was born July 30, 1926 in Brookings, SD, the son of Walter S. and Isabella M. (Pigott) Larson. He grew up on a dairy farm with a round barn in rural Sycamore, attending Lovell's Crossing one-room school and Sycamore High School, graduating in 1944 with the nickname "Round Barn Larson." After a stint in the Army Air Corps in the waning days of World War II, he attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College (now N.I.U.) During his years at Northern, he found time to letter in track and serve as head kitchen boy in girls' dorm Williston Hall, where he met the love of his life, Norma Beuter. After graduation, they were married on August 19, 1950 in Chicago. They celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary with family and friends this summer. Ralph chose the classroom over the cows, working most of his 38 year career in the Hinsdale elementary school district. He and Norma lovingly raised their three sons in Hinsdale. After teaching junior high woodshop, P.E., and serving as counselor, he served as principal of Prospect Elementary and Hinsdale Junior High School for over twenty-five years, positively affecting the lives of thousands of young boys and girls. Retirement in 1985 brought about a move to Lake Mills, WI, where he and Norma built their dream home on the shores of Rock Lake. In his golden years, he was a faithful and involved member of Lake Mills United Methodist Church, serving in several leadership capacities; a key member of the Rotary Club where he was designated a Paul Harris Fellow; a volunteer at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital; and board president of Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity. He also found time for his passions of woodworking and reading; boat rides on the lake; grilling anything; and being a wonderful husband, father, Papa, and good neighbor to all. Ralph and Norma moved to Wesley Willows retirement community in Rockford this past July. Knowing Norma would outlast him, he made sure she was in a safe and caring home environment before taking his leave. The family is grateful for the loving and skillful care he received in his final days and hours from the staff of Rockford Memorial Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Norma; sons, Jay (Mary Jo) of Rockton, IL, Kent (Kathleen) of Sarasota, FL, and Ned (Elizabeth) of Libertyville, IL; grandchildren, Camille (Rick), Ryan, Stephanie (Matt), Jimmy, Amanda, Isabel, Brian, and Peter; great-grandchildren, Mia and Flynn; brother Raymond L. (Carol) Larson of Maple Park, IL; sisters-in-law Nada (Gordon) Geddes of Poplar Grove, IL and Jill Beuter of Corvallis, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, John Beuter. Ralph's life will be celebrated in two memorial services. Packers fans are invited to a celebration at Lake Mills United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Bears fans are invited to a celebration at Wesley Willows Towne Centre on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are invited to share their favorite Ralph stories and memories. Please consider honoring Ralph with a memorial gift to Habitat for Humanity.Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home Riverside Chapel.