Pastor Larsen

Les Larsen, 59, of Curtis, NE, died September 21, 2006 at the Omaha Medical Center Clarkston Tower.

Les began his life as Leslie Anton Larsen. He was born October 29, 1946 to Signor and Inga Jensen Larsen at Iowa City, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm near West Branch, Iowa. He attended West Branch Public Schools where he played trumpet in the high school marching band, receiving many state music awards. He was also active in the debate and photography clubs. He graduated with the class of 1965. Les also participated in Little League Baseball. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch Decorah, Iowa where he majored in religious studies.

After graduation, he continued his studies at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He was ordained by the American Lutheran Church on May 27, 1973. Les served congregations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and Nebraska. His last call was to Zion Lutheran Church north of Gothenburg in 2004. At this time Les and his wife Bonnie moved to Curtis, Nebraska to be near family.

Les was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bonnie (Keller) Rasmussen, on October 17, 1982 at Gethesmane Lutheran Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Les and Bonnie met at West Virginia University, while both were attending continual education classes. Les and Bonnie served together in team ministry all 24 years of their married life.

Les and Bonnie loved camping during vacations and with friends and family. Their favorite place was Estes Park, Colo. They also enjoyed fishing in No. Dakota. In the past few years Les became an avid photographer, focusing on people and nature and won many awards. May God bless the memory of our beloved Les Larsen.

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Larsen of Curtis. One Daughter Johanna (Jerry) Ketoff and children Anna, Emilee, Austin, Olivia and Ben of Dubuque, Iowa. Two Sons: Karl Larsen and children Leah and Joshua of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and Thor (Andrea) Larsen and daughter Kirsten of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His special family by marriage Tori and Bob Willis and children Savannah and Trey of Curtis; Kristi, Chuck and daughter Jenny Salestrom of No. Platte and their son Josh and his wife Shelby Salestrom of Clarksville, Tenn; Rick and Lori Rasmussen of Grand Island; MacKenzie Green of No. Platte; Trudi and Scott Montesi and their children Brad, Murray and Katherine of Nashville, Tenn. And Kathi and John Lohr and son John of Columbus. Other relatives and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church north of Gothenburg with ELCA Bishop David L. deFreese officiating assisted by Pastors Baron and Nancy Cole and Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Judy Gifford. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his fellow Lutheran Clergy. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Register book will be available to sign at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg on Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church or the American Diabetes Assn. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE.

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