Leo Ernest Larsen

He was born January 26, 1923 in McHenry, North Dakota to parents Ingeborg and Christian Larsen. Leo grew up in an extended Scandinavian family which saw plains farming practices transition from horses, to steam, to gas. He graduated from Glenfield High School in 1941 despite frequent absences due to agricultural demands. Leo was an avid hunter and collector of antique carpenters tools. He participated in family elk hunts into his 90’s.

The incompatibility of hay fever and farming motivated his move to Billings, MT in 1945 where he began a career in carpentry. It was there that he began raising a family with his wife, Dona Pinnell Larsen. Together they passed down Danish cooking traditions including a love for lefse and brave experimentation with Lutefisk. The family moved to Portland, Oregon 1n 1960.

Leo’s winning smile and helpful spirit won him many friends. He spent countless hours volunteering with the Gresham United Methodist Church, The Gresham Historical Society, SnoCap and the local carpenters union. He served as a delegate for the District Council of Carpenters and as Vice President for the Oregon Building Trades. In 1985 he retired from his elected position as Financial Secretary for Carpenters Local 226 then Local 247.

Leo is preceded in death by his wife Betty Turbeville, siblings, Hannah Larsen, Verna Wik, Marvin, Clarence and Lester. Survivors include first wife Dona Larsen, sons Wayne and Chris, daughters Gwen Mathew and Janet Filcher, stepdaughter Shirley Turbeville and stepson Jay Turbeville. Other survivors include 18 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

A living memorial has been established with Carrol-Bateman Funeral Home where family and friends can leave remarks, photos and remembrances. The website can be accessed at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/gresham-or/leo-larsen-12558061. Family suggests contributions in his memory to the Gresham United Methodist Church Trust Fund or SnoCap.