Arnold Larson
Arnold William “Bud” Larson, Jr., 69, of Eau Claire, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
He was born on July 23, 1947, in Eau Claire, the son of the late Arnold W. and Wanda P. (Harshlip) Larson, Sr.
Bud was married to Judith Thorson, and to this union a daughter and son were born. They later divorced. On May 1, 1976, Bud married Judy Olson, in Eau Claire.
While residing in Illinois, Bud was employed as a tool and die maker for Caterpillar, Inc. In 1973, he began working for Nichols Homeshield in Chatsworth, Ill.
Bud was an accomplished and well known gunsmith throughout this area. He took great pride in his trade and was known as one of the best due to his knowledge of firearms and the patience to work on them.
He was an avid and active member of the Friends of the NRA and was recruited to be an instructor for the NRA Poole Camp, which is a camp to train military personnel how to handle and use the high powered guns before they started boot camp.
Bud loved to travel and spend his time in Montana, and attended the Quigley Buffalo Shoot in Forsyth, Mont. for 23 years. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Zor Shriner.
Bud will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, a charismatic personality with a sense of humor to match.
Bud will be sadly missed by his children, Tracy (Jeff) Mottice of Mentor, Ohio, Todd Larson, Sr. of Malta, Ill.; grandchildren, Jonathan Larson, Koryn Larson, Todd Larson, Jr., Malachi Larson, Taylorann Mottice, Kendall Mottice and Karissa Mottice; his long time love, Judy Larson of Eau Claire; sister, Judy Kipp; nephew, Josh Kipp.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 8, from 11 a.m. until 2: p.m. at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Mondovi Chapel. A celebration of Bud’s life will then be held at Hipp’s Pub ‘n Grub located at S7650 Hwy. 37, Eau Claire, just north of Mondovi, starting at 3 p.m.
Please share your memories and condolences online at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.
