Larsen, Donald B. (1928-2018)

LARSEN, CARLBERG, HEIKENS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:36:22

Donald B. Larsen
August 5, 1928 - September 24, 2018

Donald Larsen, age 90, of Oro Valley, Arizona, and formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Monday, September 24, 2018, in Oro Valley, Arizona.

Donald B. Larsen, a son of Earl and Edith (Carlberg) Larsen, was born on August 5, 1928, in Sioux Rapids. The youngest of three sons, he was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Sioux Rapids. After graduating from Sioux Rapids High School with the class of 1946, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Buena Vista University in 1950 and a Master of Science Degree in theoretical mathematics from Notre Dame University in 1965. In addition, he attended the University of Kansas, and supplemented his studies at Drake University, Iowa State University, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Northern Iowa.

In 1948, Don met Frankie F. Heikens, of rural Everly, on a blind date at the Cobblestone Inn in Storm Lake. They married on July 30, 1950, at the Congregational Church in Sioux Rapids. Subsequently, they were blessed with two sons, Steven and Bruce. They spent the early years of their marriage in Linn Grove and Laurens before moving to Storm Lake in the summer of 1960.

For thirty-three years, Don taught high school mathematics including four years at Linn Grove, six years at Laurens, and twenty-three years at the Storm Lake High School before accepting the position of Associate Professor of Mathematics at Buena Vista University in 1983. There, he taught mathematics and computer science until he retired in 1993. In his professional life, Don, always, gave first priority to his students. He, thoroughly, enjoyed watching them grow in their knowledge of mathematics by building their confidence and challenging them to excel. A talented classroom instructor, he was known and appreciated for his disciplined and methodical approach to education.

Don volunteered his time by serving on the Storm Lake Airport Commission. A member of the Lions and Optimist Clubs, he joined Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake as well as the Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church in Catalina, Arizona. Moreover, he gave freely of his time to various church activities.

Don took pleasure in many hobbies including. woodworking, fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards, collecting coins, researching his genealogy, gardening, reading, dabbling with photography, designing and making stained glass windows, and following his favorite college football and basketball teams. In addition, he loved traveling the world with Frankie, especially to Alaska, Canada, China, Europe and Hawaii. After retiring, the couple enjoyed spending winters at their Oro Valley, Arizona, home.

Don will be remembered as a caring husband and father, who centered his life on his family. Without a doubt, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Steven Larsen, of Tucson, Arizona, and Bruce Larsen (John Mandelbaum), of Highland Park, Illinois, as well as extended family members and many friends. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie; his parents; and his brothers, Dale and Earl "Doc".

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 17, 2018, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

The family suggests memorials to the Don and Frankie Larsen Endowed Scholarship Fund, Buena Vista University, c/o University Development and Alumni Engagement, 610 W. 4th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588.

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, Storm Lake, Iowa, 2018.

Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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