Kenneth M. Larson passed away May 13, 2015 at the age of 87 years. He was born Kenneth Mark Weaver at home at 126 Jefferson Street in Helena to Cecil Mark Weaver and Editha Althea Fletcher Larson Weaver on April 22, 1928. He was the youngest of three children born to Editha; his half-siblings were John H. Larson and Alice M. Larson Armstrong. Kenneth was lovingly raised by his Aunt Alice Kneiss, baptized at St. Helena Cathedral, and attended St. Helena Catholic School until the fourth grade when he transferred to Hawthorne School.
For a number of years Kenneth sold the Helena Independent newspaper on Main St. at 2 a.m. every morning and knew most everyone in town. Main St. was like a little Las Vegas with night life, gambling, and restaurants. He also sold the afternoon Record Herald and worked as a bill collector for the Independent Record. During the summers of 1945-1947 Kenneth worked for the Forest Service in the Libby and Troy areas in the blister rust program.
Upon graduation from Helena High School in 1948 Kenneth legally changed his name to Kenneth Mark Larson and enlisted in the United States Air Force for three years. When the Korean War started President Truman extended all military enlistments by one year. He served at Johnson Air Force Base, Japan, Souwon Air Force Base, Korea, and Nome, Alaska as well as several stateside locations.
Kenneth was married to Marian H. Lindstrom on October 17, 1953 by the Rev. Nels Norbeck at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Upon returning from the service Kenneth was employed as the circulation manager for the Montana Standard in Helena and by Johnston Motors and Hjelm and Ames Body Shop. He joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1953, serving with the 3669th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company at Fort Harrison for 35 years retiring as First Sgt. in 1988. He was employed as a civilian technician for 30 years at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Fort Harrison retiring as Shop Foreman in 1983. In his retirement years Kenneth worked at the Montana Army National Guard Thrift Shop, served on the Board of Directors of the Montana Military Museum, and volunteered at the Museum Wine Fair. He also volunteered at the Big Sky Care Center calling bingo for the enjoyment of the residents and actively participated in the Food Share and recycling programs in Helena. He and Marian spent many happy summers with friends and family at their Seeley Lake cabin.
Kenneth loved animals, notably his dogs Patsy, Mitsy, Chico, Charley, Laddie, Jack, and Maggie, and cats Herbie, Sheba, and Jiggs. For a number of years he was a volunteer sled dog handler in the Governor’s Cup Race for the Sky and other races for his brother-in-law Senior Montana Musher David Armstrong, Jr.
Kenneth was a charter member of New Life Lutheran Church in the Helena Valley and remained in the congregation until his death.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, beloved Auntie Alice, and grand-daughter Eden Perry. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, his children Christine Perry (Mark) of Windcrest, TX, Mark Larson (Trena) of Helena, and Kevin Larson of Northfield, VT. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Heather McCrocklin (Clint) of New Braunfels, TX, Becky Jones (Josh) of Windcrest, TX, CPT Joshua Perry (Maggie) stationed in Italy, Karina Perry of Gardiner, MT, and Wade Ness of Helena. Great grandchildren are Hadley and Callum McCrocklin, Logan and Eden Jones, and Norah Perry. He is also survived by his dear niece Patti Russ and family of Montana City and many other nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Weiner and the staff of St. Peter’s Hospice, especially primary nurse Brenda Tubbs, caregivers Sharlene Rowlan and June Dalzell, and the many loving friends and family who supported us through dad’s illness at home.
A memorial service celebrating Kenneth’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social center of the funeral home. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. The family suggests memorial donations to the New Life Lutheran Church 5980 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602, or to the Arley Burt Loving Friends Pet Haven, c/o Kaye Schloss, 3265 Canyon Ferry Road, East Helena, Mt 59635-3031. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kenneth.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Montana Sate Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Tuesday May 19, 2015
Montana Sate Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
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Phyllis Chelette says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family as you experience the loss of a dearly loved husband, father and grandfather. May God give you peace and comfort during this time and in the future. Treasure the moments in your hearts for a life fully lived.
Sincerely, Phyllis Chelette
SCHLOSS KAYE says
KEN YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A MEMORY THAT WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS . YOU WERE A FAITHFUL SUPPORTER AND FRIEND OF THE PET CEMETERY. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR KINDNESS AND SUPPORT. YOU ARE WITH LITTLE “PATSY” NOW . SHE DONT HAVE TO WAIT FOR YOU ANYMORE. YOU HAD A BIG HEART THAT CANNOT BE REPLACED. MY CONDOLENCES TO MARIAN AND THE FAMILY. MARIAN YOU, LIKE KEN, HAVE A BIG HEART TOO AND I THANK YOU TOO FOR YOUR KINDNESS YOU BOTH HAVE SHOWN US IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. YOU FOLKS NEVER FORGOT US NOR WILL WE EVE FORGET YOU….
THANK YOU…. KAYE SCHLOSS
Shirley Cole says
The many years of knowing Ken have been my blessing. His support, love, and participation in the Boy Scouts was so welcomed by leaders and Scouts. Everyone just loved you. You always had a smile on your face and I am so sad I won’t be able to see it again until we meet again. Ken, you finally got the stove out to the Museum and for that I am thankful. Thank you again for being a friend. God bless your family and God is blessing you right now. What an awesome leader!! Love you dear friend.
Susan and rich proul says
On behalf of the family of Patricia fletcher proul our sincere condolences to Marion and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marlin(Spike) Amundson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
we will miss seeing Kenny on our summer visits home.
Erin Price-Smith says
Marian & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I will always remember Kenny as a fixture of the church I grew up in. He was always such a kind, happy person. I know he will be missed greatly.
Richard Kauffman says
Our prayers to the family, will miss seeing Ken at the Annual Retirees Dinner. He never failed to ask me if I had a place to stay over the weekend. RIP old friend.
Linda Jakub says
Uncle Kenny, you were so kind to me. Thank you!