Eric L. Larsen

Eric L. Larsen, 85, passed away on April 22, 2026. Born on August 8, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Eric was a beloved and cherished presence in the lives of those who knew him—steady in faith, generous in spirit, and marked by a quiet wisdom that guided both family, friends, and students. He resided in Kansas City, Kansas.

Eric attended Milwaukee Public Schools and graduated from South Division High School, earning a football scholarship to Montana State in Missoula. After one year, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. In the summer that followed, he worked for United Van Lines, moving furniture across the country. During one overnight drive, a serious accident brought Eric and a coworker to a hospital in Manhattan, Kansas—an unexpected turning point that led him to meet the love of his life and future wife, Carol. Rather than returning to college after the accident, Eric chose a path of service and joined the Navy, while Carol pursued nursing school. During his time in the Navy, Eric converted to Catholicism, a faithful commitment that remained central throughout his life.

After leaving the Navy in 1967, Eric attended Washburn University, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and science. He went on to devote his working life to education and coaching, teaching biology and science and coaching football, track, and basketball in Kansas, Wisconsin, Iowa, and then back to Kansas. Hard-working and honest, patient and thoughtful, he carried himself with a loyal constancy that students and colleagues could rely on. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and the field; through insight and a gift for connecting with people, he inspired many, and even after retirement he continued to stay in touch with former students. Eric retired in 2016 due to health reasons.

A devoted husband, Eric shared a life of companionship with Carol, including a love of golf and many spring break golfing trips together. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee, Kansas, where his faith found a home and where his kind-hearted, selfless way of living was quietly evident. Eric also took joy in simple pleasures: cheering for the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, and settling in with old movies—especially his favorite, *Young Frankenstein*. When Kris and Jason were young, Eric and Carol made lasting family memories on summer camping and fishing trips in Minnesota.

Eric leaves behind his wife, Carol of 59 years; two sons: Kris and Jason; four grandchildren: Asia, Jayna, Layke, and Remi; brother, Scott and his wife Lilliana; nephew, Kyle; and two great nieces.

Visitation will be held at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 105 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66061, on April 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5501 Monticello Rd, Shawnee, KS 66226, on April 27, 2026, at 10:00 am. With burial to follow at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Flush, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5501 Monticello Rd, Shawnee, KS 66226 in Eric's name.