Jerry E. Larson

Jerry Larson, age 80, of Rockford passed away peacefully Monday, December 1, 2014 at home. He was a loving husband to his wife of 58 years, Sally I Springer. The two were married June 15, 1956 at Court Street UMC. He was a devoted father to his three daughters Denise (Larson) Cooper, Kathy (Larson) Morris and Susan (Larson) Glenn. He also enjoyed his son-in-laws Roger Morris and Chris Cooper. He was a loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Ryan (Danela) Sebahar, Courtney Sebahar, Tyler Sebahar, and Eric Sebahar, Jennifer Cooper, Sally Cooper and Skyler Glenn. He was also thrilled with the arrival of his great grandchild Sophia Sebahar.

Jerry was born on April 11, 1934. He was the son of Elsie (Lundberg) Larson and Herbert Claus Larson. He graduated in 1952 from East High School in Rockford. Shortly after graduating, he served in the Army before beginning a 33 year career at Illinois Bell Telephone Company.

Jerry will be missed by family and friends. His sense of humor always brought smiles and laughter to our daily lives. We all counted on him for a quick quip that would lighten a situation or just bring more joy to our day. He never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or dazzle his audience with a timely one-liner.

An avid Cub’s fan, Jerry passed on his love of sports to his family. His daughters all participated in sports and he was there to celebrate their triumphs and console them in defeat. As his grandchildren became involved in sports and other school activities he was there, even when it meant traveling to Salt Lake City, Las Vegas or Chicago to watch their games.

His luck at cards was unprecedented. He would send many would be card sharks home licking their wounds. Occasionally cards of the loser would fly across the table at him as he smiled in victory.

Each evening, his cocktail hour included happy conversation with his family and friends and his infamous gimlet. He has passed on his mixologist skills to the upcoming generation.

He will be missed but we will always hold him in our hearts.

Services will be held Friday December 5, 2014 at Tabor Lutheran Church in Rockford. Public visitation is at 9:00am with the service to follow at 10:00 at the church. Sunset Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com