Marlin Ray Larsen

Marlin Ray Larsen was born at home in Plum Creek, Iowa on July 29, 1930. He was the fourth son born to Jewel and Lois Larsen joining older brothers Donald, Eugene and Verle. Later younger sister Ruth was born.

Marlin grew up on a farm and attended a one room school house. He raised turkeys during his senior year of high school to raise extra money. He met Irene Busch who would later become his wife on February 5, 1950. Marlin and Irene bought the Wesley Viking Gas Station. Marlin sold the gas station prior to joining the United States Air Force in 1951. Irene followed Marlin and the lived on several Air Force bases including Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and Turner Air Force Base in Georgia. Their children Scott and Shirley were born in Georgia. Marlin also served over seas in Japan. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was discharged in 1955.

Marlin and Irene then lived in Algona, Iowa and Marlin worked at Snap-on Tools. Marlin purchased a 160 acre farm near Seneca, Iowa. Daughters Sharon and Sheila were born while the family lived in Iowa. Marlin was diagnosed with Reynauds. The farm was sold and the farm equipment and animals were auctioned off in early 1966.

The family loaded into their Rambler Station wagon and headed west. The family stayed with Marlin's brother Verle, sister-in-law Wanda, and their family in Huntington Beach, before purchasing a home in Westminster.

Verle helped him secure a job as an Electrical Technician at TRW Systems in Redondo Beach. Marlin worked at TRW for just over 15 years and was able to retire at age 55.

Marlin and Irene purchased a motor home and spent time traveling and visiting relatives. Irene developed cancer and passed away in January 1993. Marlin kept the motor home for several more years, taking his grandchildren on vacations.

He was happiest working on something in the garage where he could usually fix anything. He enjoyed company and had a tea kettle ready to make coffee. During the last years of his life, Marlin developed dementia and struggled with his loss of memory. He still maintained his sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. Marlin passed away on September 2, 2015. He will be missed.

Marlin was preceded in death by his wife Irene and daughters Sheila and Shelly.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 2:30 pm in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421