Melvin Larson, Jr.

Melvin Larson, Jr., 79, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, surrounded by his son Patrick and his many friends.
Jr. was born June 5, 1939, in Eau Claire, Wis., to Melvin, Sr. and Luella (Anderson) Larson, and was the second of four children. After graduating from Eleva-Strum Central High School, Jr. honorably served in the Marine Corps from 1957-1960. While in the Marine Corps, Jr. earned the rank of Lance Corporal- E-4. He was stationed in North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Cuba, China, and Okinawa. After serving his country, he returned to Strum and married his sweetheart, Susan Bergerson.
Jr. quickly found work with Iron Workers Union Local No. 512. He was a proud union member during his 30 plus years of work.
After retiring in 1994, he began traveling to Mexico one week at a time and eventually increasing it to the five
winter months. While south of the border, Jr. made many lifelong friends. He truly enjoyed his time in Mexico and always told everyone he knew to come down and visit him.
Playing practical jokes and having coffee with his neighbors always put a smile on his face. One of his favorite pastimes was cheering on his three favorite teams, the Packers, Brewers, and whoever was playing the Vikings. Another pastime was traveling the backroads of Wisconsin without a map and with no particular place to go.
While battling cancer, he always said with a smile, “Don’t worry about me, I feel good. How have you been?” He didn’t want to burden his family with his health, even though they knew it wasn’t true. He never wanted people
to feel sorry for him. He always said, “I have lived a good life and when it comes to an end it will be okay.” Cancer took his body, but it never took his spirit.
Jr. was proud of the three sons that he and Sue raised. He enjoyed sitting on his porch playing cards or sharing
stories with his kids and grandkids. From hunting adventures out west to his latest jokes there was always a story to tell.
He is survived by the love of his life Sue; three sons, Patrick (Roxy), Mike (Tammi), Jon (Shannon); seven grandchildren, Dusti, Sean, Sophia, Jenna, Jolee, Braedon and Abby; two sisters, Darlene Schneider, Kay (David) Schorbahn; brother, Tom (Tammy) Larson.
Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin, Sr. and
Luella; brother-in-law, Jack Schneider.
Jr.’s family will honor his request to not have a funeral.
For many years, Jr. cared for the flower gardens at the VFW park, in Strum. He wanted any gifts to be given to the VFW Post 6550, in Strum. He was proud to be a
Marine, Semper Fi.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.