William Allen Larsen

William "Bill, Lars, Wolf" Allen Larsen, age 67, passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, Florida on January 26, 2016. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday, February 1, 2016 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Pastor Shane Hargrave of Christ’s Church Fleming Island officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew Larsen, Tim Greene, John Vaughan, Bill Wunsch, Doug Schutter, Mike Brogan, Shane Abbott, and Clint McQuaig. Honorary pallbearers include Keith Hanson, Bill Kirklin, Jamie Rhodes, Tim Denham, John Hurtibise, Ric Goodman, Scott Fordham, Robert West and Kyle Rice. Bill was born on December 5, 1948 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to parents Olive Pauline Indergaard Larsen and Arthur Edward Larsen. He graduated from Highland Park High School in St. Paul, Minnesota before joining the United States Navy in 1967. While waiting for acceptance into the military he was also accepted into the Chicago Institute of Technology to maintain a degree in Drafting but decided to continue his pursuit to join the Navy and serve his country. He served on the USS Saratoga for 4 years then offered 11 years as a reservist at Mayport Naval Station. Bill was a Master Carpenter and worked solely for the rest of his life perfecting his skills with remodeling and restoration of historical homes and landmarks in the Jacksonville area. Notable works were The Historic Saint Andrews Church and many homes of the Riverside/Avondale area. He also built their family home in Middleburg for which his family is very proud. Bill was married to the love of his life, soulmate, best friend, Gayle Craddock Larsen. They joined on August 24, 1973 in Jacksonville, FL. Together they have three children. Bill is survived by his wife, Gayle, of 42 years; son Andrew Martin Larsen (wife Andrea) of Middleburg, FL, daughter Amy Larsen Greene (husband Tim) of Green Cove Springs, FL, and daughter Amber Suzanne Perez (boyfriend Mike Brogan) of Green Cove Springs, FL; grandchildren, Brady, Larsen, William, Scarlett, Connor, Carlie, Brooke, and Beau; half brother Ed Larsen (Ann) of Northbrook, Ill; half sister Lois Strasser (Ted); sister in law Suzanne and brother in law Bill Kirklin of Middleburg, FL, sister in law Cherie West of Jacksonville, FL; Aunt Delores Hanson of Hatton, ND; cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen, brother Johnny, numerous beloved aunts and uncles, and in laws. As a child Bill worked on his families farms and told many fond memories of that time. As a young sailor he enjoyed his purple 1970 Challenger, music, and camping with his bride. Bill was a member of the Sons of Norway in the 1980's and did a lot of boating. He was a man who appreciated his travels and seized every moment possible, like skydiving from a plane and in his last month’s white water rafting. He thoroughly appreciated history and old classic things, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper daily, and couldn't get enough of food, fair food in particular! Camping continued to be his source of pleasure as a Grandad and he loved having his family join in. Bill had a strong work ethic, adored his loved ones, and honored the military and his country. He was a great man! In his final years his close family and friends called him their "Fighting Viking." In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Haven Hospice of Orange Park for their compassion toward their beloved and loyal husband, father, father in law, grand dad, and friend.