Charles (Chuck) Harlan Larsen's Obituary
Charles (Chuck) Harlan Larsen passed away on July 28, 2021 at the Residence in Oshkosh WI at 78 years old after battling several chronic medical conditions. Chuck was born March 19, 1943 in Sioux Falls, SD to Harlan and Goldie Larsen. On November 18, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Diane Kay Sheldon.
Chuck worked through college as a police officer in Sioux Falls, graduating with a Masters in Education. He and Diane moved to Cottage Grove, MN where he taught elementary school and they started a family. Chuck also served as a C130 Load Master in the Air National Guard, where he had some once-in-a lifetime experiences.
Passionate about flight, Chuck joined local MN EAA Chapter 54 and later accepted a job with EAA. He moved his family to Wisconsin where he remained for the rest of his career as the Education Director. Chuck developed the EAA Air Academy where he found a bonus family. Chuck’s love of aviation and teaching brought him happiness and many adventures. He taught to inspire people to see the vitality within themselves.
~The influence of a great teacher can never be erased ~
After retirement, Chuck and Diane enjoyed several years traveling the USA in their motor home.
Family was Chuck’s greatest joy and accomplishment. He and Diane would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in November. Chuck encouraged and supported his children and grandchildren in any endeavor and through every high and low. Our go-to fix it guy will be deeply missed.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Wahl; son Mark (Brenda) Larsen; grandchildren, Alyssa (Wes) Doberstein, Dylan Drexler, Dustin Drexler, and Austin Larsen; great grandson Easton Doberstein and a great granddaughter on the way; brother Mark (Zigrid) Larsen; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, bonus children and friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents. He will be remembered as hardworking, generous, helpful and for his quick wit and dry humor.
At Chuck’s request, there will be no funeral service. Instead, we ask that friends and loved ones visit www.fissbillspoklasnyfuneralhome.com and leave a memory. Whenever you find joy in doing what you love, Chuck will be there.
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