Paul is survived by his children, Nancy (Buckey) McChesney, Ron (Lyn) Larson, and David (Julie) Larson, his grandchildren Lindsey, Michelle, Adrian, Kirsten, Jamie, Todd, and Nicholas, great grandchildren Steven and Dillon, and his brother Kurt Larson.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Sylvia, his brother, Laverne and sister, Tootsie.
Paul Larson has left a great impression on so many of those who knew him. He has certainly been an inspiration on how to live life through how he has lived his. He has touched the hearts of so many throughout his life with his unique personality, sense of humor and ability to bring out the best in us all. He truly Loved Life!
In high school, Paul excelled in all sports, lettering in football, basketball and track at Stoughton High School. In football, he earned the nickname "Plunger" because he would 'plunge' through the line to score, and he held the 100-yard dash track record for 27 years. His basketball jersey was retired – his number will never be issued again.
After high school he studied business in college and went to the American Floral Art School in Chicago
In 1951, he married his high school friend Sylvia, whom he affectionally knew as “Sibby", and she was the love of his life.
In 1968, they loaded their 3 children into the station wagon and moved to Phoenix, AZ. Throughout his life, Paul had an entrepreneurial spirit. He owned a flower shop, greenhouse and garden center in Wisconsin and then started a business again in Phoenix. The Phoenix flower shop focused on silk flower rentals to restaurants and businesses; Sibby, and eventually his son Ron worked at the store, expanding it to include wedding and party rentals and supplies. Paul loved to work and loved running his business. He would always say, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!"
Paul was kind, warm-hearted man who loved his family, and loved his life. He was a wonderful husband and father, teaching his children the importance of honesty, hard work, and responsibility and to never give up on your dreams. His greatest gift was love.
Paul and Sibby would often be found enjoying a beer around the dinner table with their children, friends, and their children's friends, recounting life’s story’s, telling a joke or two and guiding them through the challenges of life.
He took great pride in being a Mason for over 60 years. Paul was known at his retirement home for his collection of fun and unique coffee mugs, showing them off with a joke and a smile; he was always ready with a new "Ole and Lena" joke to share. He spread love and happiness wherever he went, and he will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at West Resthaven Funeral Home 6450 W. Northern Avenue in Glendale. Invitation is extended for the funeral service, which will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:00AM also at West Resthaven Funeral Home. Paul will be privately laid to rest at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale. All family and friends are invited to the reception immediately following Saturday’s service. The reception will be held at Trinity Bible Church 3420 West Peoria Avenue where food will be served.
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