John Wilkinson Larson

John Wilkinson Larson, 86, passed away in the early morning hours of December 29, 2024, in Fort Collins, CO. He was born August 9, 1938 in Cheyenne, WY to Melvin (Swede) and Gladys (Wilkinson) Larson. He was proud of his Wyoming roots having grown up on the Wilkinson Ranch near Pine Bluffs, WY. He graduated from Pine Bluffs High School in 1956 and entered into the Army the next week. He completed basic training then served as an Army Reservist until 1964, and again in the 1980’s. He ranched with his dad and brother until the ranch was sold around 1964.

He married the love of his life, Susan Stevens, on June 18, 1960, in Pine Bluffs where they then made their home. Their first child, Deborah Rose, was born prematurely and died in 1961. But God blessed them with 2 more children, Julia Ann in 1962 and Chad Garrett in 1963. As a family they enjoyed exploring every corner of Wyoming, fishing, camping, and spending time with their large extended family.

John completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Arts Education from the University of Wyoming in 1966. During that time the family lived in Laramie, WY and shortly in Casper, WY where John did his student teaching. They then returned to Pine Bluffs and John commuted to Cheyenne where he worked for Ideal Aerosmith as a machinist, having decided teaching was not his passion. In 1967 John had a near fatal car accident and upon his recovery, the family moved to Cheyenne.

While in Cheyenne John worked for Farm Bureau Insurance, Wyott Corp and again for Ideal Aerosmith until they closed the Cheyenne location. He and Susan moved to Fort Collins, CO, in 1986 when John accepted a position with Woodward Governor. He was VP of Manufacturing when he retired in 1995.

To say John loved cars is an understatement. He owned over 30 antique and classic cars over the years; his first was a 1929 Ford Model A which he completely restored. Both children and grandchildren enjoyed rides in the rumble seat of that car. He and Susan were associated with car clubs in Cheyenne and Fort Collins. They enjoyed meeting people and touring with the clubs. Many of his cars won awards. John’s other interests were antique firearms, collecting Wyoming license plates, building and operating his model railway and gardening.

He is survived by a loving family, daughter Julia (Dave) Smith; daughter in law Cindy Larson; grandchildren Megan Smith, Tori (Jeremiah) Karr, Ashley Larson (Nate Williams), Colton Larson and Zach (Elle) Petrone; great granddaughter Everly; brother James (Jacqueline) Larson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also blessed by many good friends, too many to mention, who provided tremendous support to him during the latter part of his life. Additionally, he was cared for by wonderful caregivers and volunteers through Pathways Hospice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Gladys Larson; stepmother Edna Jo (Norman) Larson; wife Susan; daughter Deborah; son Chad; and grandsons, Sean Smith and Nick Petrone.

Services for John will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 10:00 am at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish Church, Fort Collins. A private burial will take place at Pine Bluffs cemetery.