John Larsen

Memorial service for John Larsen will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 1, 2021 at Church on the Hill with Pastor Bill Haley officiating; inurnment will take place at 3:00 p.m., at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. John R. Larsen, 69, of Newcastle, Wyoming passed away at his home on February 23, 2021. He was born on September 14, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Rev. Robert and Edith Larsen. As a child, he lived in Bessemer, Michigan, Bridgewater, SD and Cambria, Wisconsin. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp and served his country for four years as a heavy equipment operator in Vietnam. After his military service, he moved to South Dakota and worked for the South Dakota Highway Department. He was married to his first wife and had a son, David. He then moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, where he hauled jet fuel from the refinery to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, SD. Over the years, he drove for numerous other trucking companies and then decided to buy his own tractor and trailer and drove over the road for four years. In July 1984, he married Jenelle Williams of Newcastle in a beautiful setting at Mallo, on the western slopes of the Black Hills. They had been married for 36 years. John was dedicated, hardworking Commander of the VFW in Newcastle for four years and helped procure donations for the Vets and 4-H groups. He enjoyed reading to the 4-H kids, especially the story of the meaning of the Poppy flower to veterans. He organized the placement of U.S. flags around Newcastle on patriotic holidays and was a member of the Honor Guard for numerous veterans’ funerals. He enjoyed Nascar, watching football and fishing for walleye in Minnesota. John is survived by his wife, Jenelle; son, David of South Dakota; sister, Linda (Bob) Grams of Wisconsin; niece, Lisa (Forrest) Pike, nephew Scott (Delynn) Grams, and nephew Darrell (Meghan) Hughs all of Wisconsin; and his very special furry friend, Abby. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edith Larsen; brother, Ken; mother and father-in-law, David and Alice Williams; and brother-in-law, Jeff Williams. The family request that memorial contributions be made in John’s name at First State Bank PO Box 910, Newcastle, WY 82701. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary 111 South Railroad Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701. Condolences may also be expressed at www.meridianmortuary.com