Michael Joe Larson

Michael Joe Larson "Big Mike", passed from this life as we knew him at home early Sunday morning, and September 27, 2011 to be with his Lord and Savior and his loving and caring daughter, Michelle; as well as many other family members. His wife, Donna, and his son, Jeff, were by his side. Michael was born on May 16, 1942, in Arlington, Washington, to June Marxen Larson and Leslie "Deac" Larson. He attended elementary schools and graduated from Arlington High School in 1960. He attended the University of Washington. One of Mike's adventures was commercial fishing in Alaska. He learned how to tie flies from Everett Bundt. Mike loved to fly fish on the "Stilly". He tied all his own flies and would always share them with other fishermen. As he became older, he learned how to make fly rods; not only for himself, but for many others as well. Michael enlisted the US Army in January 1964 and was proud to serve our country for three years; at a time in history, when many people in the USA did not feel the same way. He served in the Vietnam War for one tour and was also stationed in Germany. Michael married Donna Christensen on December 18, 1966, in McPherson, Kansas. He had two wonderful children, Michelle and Jeffrey. After Mike was discharged from active duty in January 1967, he, Donna, and their infant daughter, Michelle, went to Southern California for him to go to school at Northrop Institute of Technology, where he earned an Airframe and Power Plant License. After graduating from Northrop, Mike was offered a part time position with the LAASF, in Los Alamitos, CA. This "part time" job lasted over 33 years. Mike joined the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department in 1975 and retired with over 25 years of service to the community of Arlington. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and also served as Luther League Advisor. He was a former president of the Arlington Lions' Club. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Rene, Brother John, parents, June and "Deac", and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Linda and Charles Christensen. Survivors are: wife, Donna, son, Jeff and fiancee, Shelly Kucera., and her two children, brother, Mark Larson, sister, Leslie Larson, sister-in-law, Margaret Larson, brother and sister in-law, Robert and Sharon Christensen, seventeen nieces and nephews, twenty two great nieces and nephews, and 5 great-great nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held Friday, December 2, 2001, 2:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N Macleod Ave, Arlington. A military graveside service will be held Sunday, December 4, 2011, 1:00 pm., at Arlington Municipal Cemetery, 20310 67th Ave NE, Arlington. A Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 615 E. Highland Ave, Arlington.

Michael has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the 9/11 Memorial, c/o The City of Arlington, 238 N Olympic Ave, Arlington, WA, 98223.

Arrangements under the direction of Weller Funeral Home, Arlington, WA.