Steve Larson

After an unyielding and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for nearly seven years, our beloved husband, father, and grandpa Steven Earl Larson passed peacefully into heaven on Thursday, February 18 with his sweetheart Ann Marie by his side. He was neither defined nor deterred by this disease and never gave up his “be positive” attitude. Instead, he stayed focused on his faith in Jesus Christ and his love for his eternal companion Ann Marie and his family.

Steve was born in August 1956 and raised in Murray, Utah to his hard-working, loving parents Floyd and Earlene as the oldest of three children. His brother Michael and sister Karen definitely knew more than a little about what a tease he was. He loved to ride his bike around town and up the canyons, play baseball, football, and the trumpet, and worked full-time to save money for college. He graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1974 and went on to earn a Metallurgical Engineering degree from the University of Utah. He remained an enthusiastic, loyal Ute fan throughout his life and could often be seen wearing a red shirt and hat. One time he had the chance to win tickets to a certain rivalry game, but lost out when he couldn’t remember the Utah fight song. Oh well, go Utes!

From a ‘65 Ford Galaxy, to a ‘17 Jeep Wrangler, cars were his favorite hobby. He had a knack for engines, could fix almost anything, and we loved his ability to diagnose issues with a simple description or drive around the neighborhood. He not only enjoyed racing (as a participant and spectator), 150-foot burnouts, off-roading, and donuts, but also calm Sunday drives in the canyons. Combined with his love of loud music, you could often find him rocking out to The Beatles in the garage. He restored a ‘37 Plymouth and painted it red (obviously) and later rebuilt a ‘39 Chevy on a ‘63 Corvette frame—because he was more of a hot rod guy than a muscle car guy—and painted it red too.

One of his first jobs was working at Smith’s Food King as a checker. That’s where a certain beautiful, young woman caught his eye. On their first date, he took Ann Marie up Emigration Canyon and in his eager pursuit to impress her, he got stuck in the snow. But, he must have made a big impression as they were married in August 1978 and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, on a record-breaking hot September day. Whether it was a soap note on the mirror, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, a night out at Desert Star, or a trip to Tuacahn in St. George, they constantly surprised one another with gestures large and small to show their love and devotion. They made Friday night date nights and visits to the temple a top priority. He liked to say, “happy wife, happy life” and while he wasn’t perfect, he showed perfect love and bravely fought cancer, just to spend a little more time with her. When faced with a difficult surgery decision he once said, “If it can give me more time with my sweetheart, I’ll do it.”

As a father, he was a perfect blend of strength, humor, and tenderness, with the uncanny ability to make his children never want to disappoint him. We laughed and loved a lot through our adventures to the cabin that he helped build alongside his in-laws. His kids have unique memories of personal time with him that speak to how he treated each relationship with a different, specific approach. With Ashley, he bonded through oldest child personality traits, including being a tease, a gentle, steadfast leader, and a peacemaker. Through Lindsey, he learned patience and as her biggest supporter always encouraged her to pursue her passions. As the only son, Justin pushed the limits of adventure and brought out his fun side with many “I’ve been wantin’ to see that” moments. With his Haley Bear, he loved to watch airplanes fly overhead and teach her all about cars and classic rock. He encouraged all of them to keep up their grades and “keep up the good works.” They all share a love of Dad jokes, perfectly-timed puns, the importance of an education, fishing, boating, enjoying Star Wars, and finding a testimony of Jesus Christ. He also loved each of their spouses as his own kids and showed them the same love and kindness.

As a grandpa, he was a little more relaxed, but his devotion was the same. Whether it was driving the grandkids around in the dune buggy, making them laugh with his duck noises, or just a chance to talk one-on-one and get a hug; nothing brought him more joy than spending time with them.

Throughout the years, there were tough times with jobs, but he always did what he needed to do to provide for his family from trapping muskrats to hauling rocks on the side to make ends meet. With each new pregnancy came a job loss and new challenges and adventures—including a two-year stint in Alabama building solid rocket boosters for a NASA contractor. He took great pride (and good humor) in being a real life rocket scientist and found his favorite job at Lockheed Martin over 25 years ago. It was there that he had some of the fondest memories and most cherished relationships. Even though he lived far away, he didn’t mind the drive to enjoy the associations and sense of accomplishment. As his family, we will be forever grateful to his work family who not only saved his life several times but valued his contributions, cared for him, and continued to reach out to him throughout his illness. His work there may have been top-secret, but his love and admiration for each of you was not.

As a covenant-keeper, he accepted many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including bishop of the Riverton 12th Ward from 2001 to 2006. He always spoke of that sacred responsibility with love and great reverence. He thoroughly enjoyed the interviews with 8-year old children who were going to be baptized because he loved their sweet testimonies, faith, and watching them take that first step back to their Heavenly Father. Another favorite calling was in the Jordan River Temple. The loss of his beloved mustache was a worthy sacrifice for serving the Lord in the baptistry and he often spoke of sacred experiences and tender mercies there. He accepted callings with an eager heart, always willing to go where the Lord wanted him to go—even if he didn’t get his dream calling in nursery. His granddaughter once asked him how he would like to be remembered, he simply, but profoundly replied, “for his testimony of Jesus Christ”. As he reflected near the end of his mortal journey, he happily expressed, “It’s ok. I’ll just go do missionary work!” on the other side of the veil—where we know he will bring many souls to their Savior.

His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the many healthcare workers who have watched over him with such care and devotion. Dr. Devenport, Bonnie, Dr. Stinnett, Dr. Ott, Dr. Z, Dr. Nibley, Anita, Dr. Curtis, Utah Cancer Specialists, and Symbii Hospice, because of your great effort, experience, and care, we have witnessed many miracles.

Last year he lost both of his sweet parents Floyd and Earlene Larson and was also preceded in death by his brother Michael and father-in-law Keith. He is survived by his sweetheart of forever, Ann Marie; his children, Ashley (Shane), Lindsey (Brett), Justin (Tracee), and Haley (Kelsey); 10 grandchildren (with one on the way); his sister Karen (Matthew); his mother-in-law Yvonne; brother-in-law Frank (Heidi); and sister-in-law Jodie (John).

There will be an in-person service for immediate family on Tuesday, February 23 at noon. Extended family and friends may join via Zoom (webinar ID: 935 4987 7324 https://zoom.us/j/93549877324) and are invited to attend the graveside dedication at 1:30 PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, 13001 South 3600 West Riverton, Utah.

You’re our rock and our hero. We love you forever and always. Until we meet again.