WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Hollis Albert “Al” Larsen, age 87, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully early Tuesday evening, April 23, 2013, at his home.
He was born Aug. 5, 1925, in Wheat Ridge, Colo., a son of Albert and Blanche (Hollis) Larsen.
Al was a manager for the W.T. Grant Company for 30 years. He managed stores in many towns in the Midwest but was proud to call Sturgis his home. Following his retirement, he worked for Gateway Shopper’s Guide for 10 years.
Al was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning the rank of master sergeant.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 52 years and a longtime active member of the Sturgis Kiwanis Club. Al enjoyed traveling, camping, playing golf and fishing.
Al is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sheila; a son, Steve (Joan) Larsen of Spring Arbor; a daughter, Sheryl (Dave) McCune of Sturgis; two stepsons, Larry R. Kosmerick Jr. of Sturgis and Michael A. (Jody) Perrin of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren, Jonathan Larsen of Northville, Joshua (Sarah) Larsen of Grass Lake, Jenny (Rick) Culhane of Wichita, Kan., and Samuel Larsen of Spring Arbor; four stepgrandchildren, Morgan Kosmerick of Sturgis, Richie Kosmerick of Sturgis, Natalia Perrin of Kalamazoo and Nicholas Perrin of Kalamazoo; five great-grandchildren, R.J. Culhane, Jack Culhane, Joseph Culhane, Chloe Larsen and Ethan Larsen. He also is survived by his first wife, Vera Larsen-DeFord of Sturgis.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Hollis “Al” Larsen will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Larsen’s memory consider Pet Haven, P.O. Box 853, Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
