Robert Larson

MCFARLAND/STOUGHTON-Robert Charles Larson, age 79, of McFarland, died on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at UW Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on June 29, 1937, in Madison, the son of Lewis and Mabel (Fleury) Larson. Robert graduated from Stoughton High School in 1955, where he performed in the first group of Norwegian Dancers. He served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard for nine years. In 1962, his unit was prepared to deploy for the Cuban Missile Crisis on orders from President John F. Kennedy. In June 1960, Robert married Margaret Nelson and with that union they had a son, Brian. On March 5, 1982, he married Barbara Smith in Las Vegas, Nev. Robert was a carpenter, a Master Plumber and operated heavy equipment. He was self-employed for many years and also worked for Madison Crushing and Excavating. He was a member of the Zor Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Escort Patrol, Stoughton Masonic Lodge and Lakeland Shrine. Robert was very proud to be a Shriner. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Stoughton Conservation Club. Robert enjoyed vacationing in Arizona, motorcycle trips and weekends in Cassville on the Mississippi River. He also loved traveling the north woods of Wisconsin. Robert had fun visiting with friends at the Maple Tree in McFarland and having lunch at the Main Tap in Oregon with the "Table of Knowledge" gang. Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Brian (Liz) Larson; step-daughter, Brigette (Ron) Keegan; his brother-in-law, John (Kathy) Schoenecker; his loving cats, Pavel and Leo; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David and William; in-laws, Atwood and Mona Hoveland; brother-in-law, Paul (Phyllis) Schoenecker, and his first wife, Margaret. A Celebration of Life with masonic rites will be held at the GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Hwy 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, with a time of fellowship and food to follow at the MAPLE TREE, 6010 US HWY 51, McFarland. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2017 and at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Robert's name to Zor Shrine, 575 Zor Shrine Place, Madison, Wis., 53719, or to the Dane County Humane Society. The family also wishes to thank all the dedicated staff, nurses and doctors at Stoughton and UW Hospitals, who all provided such wonderful care to Robert during his illness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson St. (608)873-4590