Alden C. Larson

Alden C. Larson, 88, a long-time resident of Springfield and an active member of the business community, died on Thursday, July 28, 2005 in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Mr. Larson was born on March 14, 1917 in Audobon, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Caroline Larson. He earned valedictorian honors upon completing high school and later graduated from North Dakota State University and was inducted into Tau Beta Pi fraternity for academic excellence enroute to earning his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, Mr. Larson was employed by General Electric Company, training B-29 flight crews on the aircraft’s fire control systems. Later he went to work with the Union Pacific Railroad and spent one year with A.B. Chance Company. On June 14, 1947, he married Halina Paluszek in Chicago, IL, and in 1950, he accepted a position with Graybar Electric Company in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1958, he was named branch manager of the firm’s Springfield, Illinois office and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1981. During his tenure at Graybar Electric Company, the Springfield office garnered numerous honors for their sales and service and became a model throughout the state. Mr. Larson was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was involved in Rotary International, was an avid golfer at the former Oakcrest Country Club, was a member of the Sangamo Club and the Spring River Club. Mr. Larson was preceded in death by his wife: Halina and his sisters: Eva, Fern, and Virgil. He is survived by his children: Katherine Larson of Salem, OR, Eric Larson of Evanston, IL, Dr. Christine Larson of Silverdale, WA, and Andrew Larson of Palatine, IL; his grandchildren: Robin Larson, Rebeca and Katie Stone, Matthew, Casey and Brigit Larson, Emily and Stephen Fleischhauer; and his great-grandchildren: Jack and Adam Larson. The family of Alden C. Larson will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2005 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, Springfield with Rev. Philip G. Kraft, celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Providence Benedictine Orchard House Foundation, 540 S. Main St., Mount Angel, Oregon, 97362. The family of Alden C. Larson is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S.6th St. Springfield, IL 62703.