Charles M. "Chuck" Larson

Charles Martin Larson

September 1, 1924 – October 8, 2020

Charles Larson was born on Labor Day, September 1, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Martin Egnar Larson and Mabel Evelyn Sanders Larson. Charles (Chuck) died peacefully on October 8, 2020. Charles’ only sibling, Calvin Larson, died on July 17, 1937 at an early age. He was married to Shirley Lorraine Thunberg for 65 years until the time of her death. He was the loving father of Donald (Sandra) Larson, Glenn (Lynn) Larson, Diane Larson, Cheryl (Rob) Williams. Devoted grandfather of Emily Larson, Kirsten (Mike) Gillespie, Blake Larson (deceased) Shelby (Dan) Gajos, Bryce (Michele) Larson, Reid Larson, Tierney Larson, Chase Larson, Meagan (Mark) Cole, Abbe (Danny) Fritz, Molly Paschal, Julie (Damian) Garcia, Haley Williams and Scott Williams. Dedicated great grandfather of Logan, Hallie, Dustin, Gavin, Maren, Audrey, Owen, Drew, Lincoln and Gwen. He was a loving, affectionate, kind, caring and enthusiastic father, grandfather and great grandfather that loved his family passionately.

Charles was educated at Patrick Henry Grammar School, Carl Schurz High School and the University of Illinois. He was active in ROTC and Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corp. He was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity at the University of Illinois. Chuck’s college education was interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the Army and served under General Patton with the 13th Armored Division.  

After graduation, Chuck returned to help build and grow his family’s business. Since 1948 he devoted his life work in the steel forging business to Charles E. Larson & Sons, Inc. which manufactures critical forgings for many industries and continues today. He was a devoted member of the Park Ridge Presbyterian Church for the past 61 years. His passion and dedication to the Shrine was evident with his work on the board at Shriners Childrens Hospital. He was honored to serve as the Potentate of the Shrine of Chicago in 1977. He also loved his time golfing at Medinah Country Club and watching the Bears and the Cubs.

To all of those who knew and loved Chuck, family and friends alike, he was regarded as a man of honor and integrity. He treated everyone with respect and took joy in watching others succeed and grow. He was a mentor for aging with grace and acceptance, and was able to enjoy every moment that his long life presented. 

In his words:

“We were born into a great family and became part of the “Larson Legacy.”

As we embarked on the “Bridge of Life” we had many great experiences. Probably the two most important early ones were Lake Catherine and Larson Forgings.

The Larsons are a family of deep religious faith, pride and commitment and we look forward to a confident future for the Larson Legacy.”

He left behind a loving and close family and he will be missed tremendously

“When I am gone, release me- let me go I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears, be happy that we had so many years. I gave you love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.”

A private family service was held on Monday, October 12, 2020.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his honor to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, Ill.  60707 or www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org, in the name of Charles M. Larson.

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