Duane “Pete” W. Larsen, 86, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 13, 2021 at East Bank Rehabilitation Center in Loves Park, IL. Pete was born July 24, 1935 in Beloit, WI, to Roy W. and Rosie (Schulz) Larsen. After graduating from Clinton High School, he joined the Army in 1955. He honorably served as a Military Police Officer for 3 years. Pete moved to Rockford, IL and married Loretta Walmsley. They had 3 daughters and a son. They later divorced. He married Helen A. Poole on October 18, 1980, who also had 3 daughters. Family and friends have many fond memories of the various parties that Pete and Helen hosted, where he liked to show off his talents on the grill. Pete was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Boston Celtics. In his younger years, he loved playing softball, bowling and throwing darts. Pete enjoyed tinkering with projects around the house and took pride in maintaining his well landscaped yard. Before retiring, Pete worked for Zenith Cutter, Rexham Corp, Sears and Rockford Automation.
Pete was predeceased by his wife Helen, father Roy, mother Rosie, and brother Robert. He is survived by his sister Norma Kaecker, sister-in-law Marilyn Larsen, daughters Sandra (Gordy) Campbell, Virginia (Herb) Hamm, Lori (Jaycee) Larsen, son William Larsen, step-daughters Julie (Michael) Burke, Laura (John) Stanton, Susan (Jeff) Kilgore, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his good friend Suzi Hale and beloved feline companions, Abbey & Missy.
Visitation Saturday January 8th, at 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. Inurnment will follow services with Military Honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
