Clare Edward Larson

Clare was born on November 8, 1951 in Racine, WI, the son of Layton and Eleanor Bernhagen Larson. Clare married Wendey Dirksen Lizer on September 23, 1983 at the courthouse in Rockford, IL.

Clare graduated from Auburn High School in 1969; he most recently was employed at Daley Design for over 25 years, where he was a subcontractor for Hamilton Sundstrand, involved in their contract with the US Navy. He applied an ablative coating on MX and Trident Missile heads, receiving numerous recognition for his accomplishments.

Clare is survived by his wife Wendey (Dirksen) Larson; daughter Tracy Pixler; stepson Joshua Brown and stepdaughter Kacie Hawes; grandchildren Tory Rebelak, Cassidie Pixler, Shaylin Madsen, Mary, Stefon and Kasoine Jones, Quynna Cannon; sisters Ramona Emerson, Judy (Brent) Walker, Cindy Soter, Carol Kost, Laona Larson and Lorraine (Jerry) Sternadel; brothers Michael (Pat) Thomas, Lorin Larson, Randy (Karen) Larson and Larry (Lisa) Larson; various nephews and nieces also survive.

Clare was preceded in death by his parents, son Shane and stepdaughter Stephanie Takala, sister Layene and brother-in-law John Heck, brother Wendell Larson, brother-in-laws Otto Emerson and Dave Soter.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their loving care and also to our special friend Kristen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.

A service to celebrate Clare’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday July 10, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park. Visitation for Clare will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com