Allan P. Larson

Allan P. Larson, 74, of W4436 Empire Drive, Fond du Lac, died peacefully Monday, June 22, 2009, at home, surrounded by family and friends.He was born on February 25, 1935, in Ashland, WI, a son of Walter and Lillian Petersen Larson. Allan was a graduate of Ashland High School. He received a B.S. in Science and Education in 1957, from Northland College, Ashland. During college, he served as student body president, was a member of the varsity football team and participated in band, chorus, and drama. On March 14, 1959, he married Janice G. Ballwanz at Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, where he was a member for 50 years. The couple recently celebrated their Golden Anniversary.During Al’s career, he was called on to assume many Leadership roles. He began his career at Roosevelt Junior High School, Fond du Lac. He then went to work at Meiklejohn Import Auto for two years and then resumed teaching at Woodworth Junior High School, where he also coached football and basketball. He served as assistant principal for one year.During his teaching career he joined the National Science Foundation where he participated, directed, and was a speaker at several of their seminars. In 1970, when Theisen Junior High School opened, Al taught seventh grade science and ninth grade conservation. He also served as Science Department Coordinator and was instrumental in establishing the Outdoor Science and Conservation Program for the Fond du Lac School District.Football and coaching were two of his passions. During his coaching career, he coached Girls and Boys Basketball and served as Assistant Coach of the varsity football team for 30 years. He retired after 35 years with the Fond du Lac School District.Al was very proud of his family… his wife, children, and grandchildren. Al allowed his boys to bring home any animals they desired… raccoons, turtles, snakes, ducks, horses, dogs, etc. His sense of humor was one of a kind. He could tell stories that appeared to be a figment of his imagination, only to later learn that most of these stories were true. He had countless part-time jobs which provided ammunition for an endless stream of hilarious anecdotes.Al enjoyed trapping, hunting, flying, skiing, fishing and his beloved cottage on Lake Superior. He was a member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 57. Through the years, he was a member of the Men’s Chorus. Al was a former boy scout and was a tribal leader in the Indian Guides with his son’s in the Fond du Lac chapter. Al was a member of the Fond du Lac Retired Teachers Association.He recently joined Luther Memorial Church.For over two years, he battled cancer courageously with the support of his family and friends while serving as an inspiration to many others.He is survived by his wife, Janice; four sons: Craig (Becky) Larson of Fond du Lac, Rick Larson of St. Charles, Illinois, Randy Larson of Girdwood, Alaska, Gary Larson of Fond du Lac; seven grandchildren: Ian, Olivia, and Abby, Cole and Cade, Connor and Chayce. He is further survived by a brother, nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law, Eleanor Ballwanz; three brothers-in-law: Ron (Diane) Ballwanz, Paul Ballwanz, Lester (Karen) Ballwanz, all of Fond du Lac, together with their families.He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved pet and friend, “Fritzie”.Visitation for Al will be from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at Luther Memorial Church, 134 21st Street, Fond du Lac.His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at church with the Rev. David Naumann officiating. Entombment will follow in Ledgeview Memorial Park.A memorial fund in his name will be established at a later date.Al’s family would like to graciously extend their thanks to the staff of both the Wisconsin Central Cancer Center and St. Agnes Hospice Hope, and the Rev. David Naumann.

Allan P. Larson

February 25, 1935 - June 22, 2009