Lawrence Dale Williamsen

Larry Williamsen, 98, passed away peacefully at home in Salt Lake City, on December 26, 2025. As the third son of 6 children born to Lorenzo and Reta Williamsen, he grew up in Ogden where he attended Weber College and then graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in mechanical engineering. He served an LDS mission to the Northern states where he assisted Elder Spencer W. Kimball. He served in the Navy during WWII and was involved in the development of radar used in airplanes. After the war, he met Shirley Ann Harper while attending the University of Utah and they were married on June 20, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had five children Lynnette Helotes, Dave (Patty) Williamsen, Thom (Gail) Williamsen, Richard Scott Williamsen (died in infancy), and Robert Brooke Williamsen.

After graduation, he joined his father's business, Williamsen Truck Body & Equipment Company. He was devoted to his work and spent many hours at the shop as the trucking business grew throughout the West. His hobbies included woodworking, photography, gadgets and spending time at the family horse ranch in Eden, Utah where he and Shirley would have many parties. In his later years, Larry and his son, Brooke, would go to the Eden ranch twice a week. When dad could no longer walk, he took great satisfaction driving his electric wheelchair all over the ranch picking up pinecones.

Larry went into a partnership with Sheldon Poon, a merchant from Hong Kong, which led to his love of traveling. Dad and Mom traveled, sometimes twice a year, to Hong Kong, and South Korea to shop for presents. Mom said they made over 20 trips to Asia. They also travelled with friends all over the world by plane and boat.

Larry was a wonderful role model for his children. He was a kind, patient, generous man with a fun sense of humor. From his example, the family tends to be stoic and to use humor instead of anger when resolving a problem. He was a peacemaker as he didn't like conflict. Whenever asked how he was doing, he would respond, "I'm full of pep." When summing up a situation he would say, "It's better than a kick in the ribs" (a description of an unexpected kick by a horse).

He is survived by his 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 14 (with one more on the way) great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Shirley), siblings, his son (Richard Scott), and 2 great grandsons (Tyler and Preston). The family is especially grateful to their brother, and Larry's son, Brooke, for his devoted companionship and care for Larry during his later years. We also wish to thank Jasmine (Jazzy) Kerns, his dedicated caregiver, for her kind service. His funeral will be Friday, January 2, 2026 at Larkin Mortuary 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.