Michael Larsen

Michael Phillip Larsen was born January 27, 1955, the son of Darrel James and Agnes Monica (Muell) Larsen in Harlan, Iowa, and passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at his home in Atlantic, Iowa.

He graduated from the Harlan High School in 1974. Mike attended Iowa State University for two years where he was a member of the football team. Mike obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Peru State in 1979, where he continued his football career as an All American and also participated on the track and wrestling teams.

On August 5, 1978, he married Catherine Ann Hjortshoj in Atlantic, Iowa. The couple moved to Atlantic in 1984. He then began his career with the Atlantic School System as a Physical Education teacher at Washington School.

In his spare time Mike enjoyed coaching and officiating wrestling, and coaching track. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mike was a fun-loving guy. He enjoyed family trips to Hawkeye bowl games and annual trips to the NCAA wrestling championships. Holiday gatherings, Hawkeye tailgates and Larsen camp-outs were always cherished by Mike. Fishing with his friend, Kipp, was a favorite pastime, as was yard work and being at the quarry.

Mike was extremely proud of his family, and even with the slightest encounter, you knew that. He cherished Cathy, Blake, Rachel and Claire; he couldn't have been more excited when "Little Miss O" was born. He had so much love for his family. Olivia loved to pat his bald head, which would cause much laughter by all. His dog, Lucy, was his constant companion, and he could often be seen walking her and hitting tennis balls to her.

Mike was loved by people, and he loved them back. In a world where everyone is in such a rush, he was never too busy to talk to or help people - all people. He could talk to anyone, and at times he talked...and talked...and talked. His voice, volume and laugh could light up any room. No task was too big or too small. He was called upon to move many a piano or anything heavy. He was always there to help.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrel Larsen; his parents-in-law, Albert Hjortshoj and Donna Hjortshoj; his sister-in-law, Joyce Larsen; and his nephews, Benji Larsen and Jaden Koch.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cathy of Atlantic; his son, Blake Michael Larsen and his wife, Rachel of Olathe, Kansas; his daughter, Claire Elizabeth Larsen of West Des Moines; his granddaughter, Olivia Catherine Michelle Larsen of Olathe, Kansas; his mother, Agnes Larsen of Harlan; his siblings, Bill (Janet) Larsen of Hartford, SD, Jim (Joanne) Larsen of Ankeny, IA, Jack (Pat) Larsen of Council Bluffs, Susan (Kenny) Schnack of Harlan, Julie (Randy) Schmitz of Bettendorf, Sharon (Dave) Lush of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jane (Jack) Waner of Omaha, Nebraska; his sister-in-law, Cindi (Tom) Coker of Lafayette, Colorado; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2011, in the Atlantic High School Commons area in Atlantic, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 10, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic.

Lunch and fellowship will follow the service in the Atlantic High School Commons area.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.