Curtiss Leon Larsen (94) passed away peacefully May 16, 2022 at Bel Aire Senior Living in American Fork Utah.
Curt was the oldest of three children, born April 13, 1928 in Sterling Utah to Lloyd Diamond Larsen and Martha Kate Matilda Haney Larsen. Following his parents’ divorce, Martha moved with the two surviving children to Escalante Utah where she met and married Lovell Monroe Twitchell. Together they raised 9 children - Alvin, Nelda, Curt, Lorena, Beth, Arletta, Joyce, DeAnn, and Craig.
Curt married Denece Gaye Christensen on April 23, 1953, in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. They have resided in Boise Idaho, Cedar City Utah, Ogden Utah, Ontario California, and lived the majority of their married life in either Salt Lake City or St. George Utah. They lovingly raised their three sons, Michael, Clayne, and Bryce.
Curt is survived by four siblings (Arletta, Joyce, DeAnn and Craig), sister-in-law Susan, sons Michael (Cathy), Clayne (Lisa) and Bryce (Leslie), ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, a special cousin Leo Haney and many nieces and nephews. Curt was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers (Keith, Alvin and Shirrell), three sisters (Nelda, Lorena and Beth) and in 2020 by his eternal wife and companion Denece.
Curt’s working career spanned a number of industries. One that he was especially proud of was his service in the Navy. Being a veteran of the Korean War, he was never assigned combat duty, but had many stories to share about his experiences on board ship as they circumnavigated the globe. He enjoyed his time in aviation as the Cessna dealership manager in Salt Lake City then later in Ogden Utah. Flying was an adventure and a passion. Many family members and friends had the opportunity to go on flights, as Curt piloted planes. Curt was Quality Manager of Beehive Clothing where he was proud to be involved with the naming of a new fabric ‘Corban’.
Curt was always very cheerful. He was the first to reach out to meet someone new. Being of help to others was his delight. Cherished experiences with immediate and extended family have always been a priority. Curt was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings such as ward clerk, bishop, high councilor, high priest group leadership, temple worker and was called as a service missionary with Denece.
One of Curt’s passions was genealogy. Through a local users group, he helped many others in the use of the Personal Ancestral File (PAF) program, a precursor to FamilySearch. He also enjoyed photography and going on drives with Denece to discover new sights. Gardening became an interest in his later years. He loved family movie nights with a big bowl of popcorn, family and friend nights playing cards, family dinners and adventures. Family was first and foremost in his life.
Curt’s family gives a heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Wentworth at the Meadows, Bel Aire Senior Living, and First Choice Home Health & Hospice for their care of Curt these recent years.
Funeral services are 11:00 AM, Saturday June 4, 2022, at the Larkin Sunset Gardens chapel located at 1950 E 10600 S in Sandy, Utah.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED services via Zoom can click the "Watch Services" tab or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-O9Dy-XwTRCujP-SiyV9OAgrBHBc-1rdEhKxFM5N0anOTI_hhDS89UpWlGSiLySr.6r7qYMsgg_kO9gZx?startTime=1654360965000
Dear Larsen Family,
My sincere sympathy on the passing of your father and grandfather. I hope all your good memories of him will bring comfort during this difficult time until you meet again!
Love, Alene Davis (Cathy’s sister)
Dear Clayne and Lisa, it is with heartfelt love that we express our condolences at the passing of Clayne's father. With Love, Joe and Lynn Frear
Curt was a great man. He taught my Dad the gospel while they were shipmates in the Navy. They remained close friends. I remember visiting Curt and Denece on several occasions they were always very welcoming. Curt will be missed.
To the families of Curtiss Larsen , our families are eternally grateful for your father’s example to my husband and our father. We are all where we are today, because of his friendship and his missionary work. His unconditional love for someone that had way different beliefs than his. Taking care of his brother when he could barely make it to the ship because he had took much to drink. His patience and over looking his bad habits. When we moved to Utah, that’s the first thing Bob said, I’ve got to look up Curt Larsen. So then our friendship continued and to include families. So thankful for all the times your parents had us in their home and the times up at snowbird. For your dad speaking at Bob’s funeral. They came to my wedding to George. We also spent times with them in St George. They are our family. I’m sure they are all up there enjoying each other’s friendship again. Soo very thankful for our eternal perspective. We love you all. From the Pahl families.
Life is filled with good people. We consider Curtiss as one. He raised a wonderful person in Mike --- who represents the family so well. We are proud to be related to Mike. We pray for the Lord's continued blessings upon your family. Here, in Brother Larsen's life of service, one will continue on blessing other lives as he has done in this short sojourn and span of life.
Sincere Wishes,
Kirk & Ann