Michael Oberlin Larson

Michael Oberlin Larson, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away in his home in Livermore, California, on August 30, 2025.

Michael was born to Roald and Helena Larson Allen on February 13, 1937. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, attended East High, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Finland. He married his sweetheart, Julie Ann Earl, in 1963 in the Salt Lake Temple. Michael completed his PhD in Nuclear Physics from the University of Utah and taught physics and astronomy for seven years at the university. In 1974, he began work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. His career at LLNL spanned over 33 years, retiring in 2007, but consulting for several more years. An expert in nuclear weapons design, he worked on the W82, served as LLNL tactical navy military requirement officer, and was project manager for the development of an Army nuclear weapons system. For over 19 years he worked with the Nuclear Emergency Support Team/Joint Technical Operations Team (NEST/JTOT), ensuring nuclear safety and national security. He twice received Distinguished Service Awards from the NNSA. He was widely admired for his hard work, expertise, cheerfulness, and kindness. He was a lifelong learner, always reading and studying to improve himself. Mike loved his work and would often say it helped protect the three things he loved most: his family, his faith, and his country.

Michael and Julie Ann were blessed with seven children, whom he loved very much. He loved movies, fireworks, good food, and sweets! He was a patient father with a great sense of humor, always expressing sincere gratitude for any act of service.

His love for his wife and children was matched only by his love for God and Jesus Christ and their restored gospel. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many leadership positions and giving generously of his time, talents, and resources to friends in the community and those in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Willard Allen, and sisters, Laurelyn Larson and Jolene Froewiss. He is survived by his wife, Julie Ann Earl Larson; 7 children, Laurie (Russell) Glenn, Nanette (Scott) Hamm, Kaylin, Jason (Andrea), Evan (Tracy), Julielyn (AJ) Chippero, and Adam (Shalisa); and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Froewiss. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren: Jaclyn, Josh, Jacob, Nathan, Tyler, Jenna, Justin, Ryan G, Mia, Ryan L, Kadin, Daelyn, Camilla, Hadley, Caleb, Taye, Daniel, Annabelle, and Lucy; and 7 great-grandchildren: Emily, Jared, Oakley, Savannah, Quinn, Madelyn, and Lucy Lara.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11am on Thursday, September 11, at Larkin Mortuary (260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah). Graveside service will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery (200 N St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103).

A memorial service will be held in Livermore, California on Saturday, September 13th, at 10 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1501 Hillcrest Avenue). Service can be watched on zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/98573336279

Until we meet again, we will remember his parting words at the end of every visit, “I love you, and I’ll be praying for you.”