Ronald Charles Larson
July 30, 1944 - July 24, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Ronald Charles Larson, age 72, of Madison, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017. He was born on July 30, 1944, in Geneseo, Ill., the son of Wesley and Helen Nordling Larson. He married Marianne C. Anderson on June 23, 1984. Ron graduated from Geneseo High School in 1962, where he was a drum major and saxophone player in the band. He graduated from UW Madison in 1966, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Ron founded and ran the Madison Book Coop from 1968-1972. He worked for UW Memorial Library at the circulation desk and took a break in the afternoon every day to sit and read on the Terrace. Ron was an avid reader who enjoyed having a coffee, reading a hardcover book and watching people go by the lake on his front porch. He and Marianne often went out to dance to local rock n' roll, especially The Rousers, where he gained the nickname “Rouser Ron” as he danced the night away in the front row. Ron and Marianne loved Badger and Packer games. They enjoyed traveling by train and boat especially with the UW Alumni Club. Ron was a kind and generous soul who listened deeply and truly cared for all his friends and family. He loved visiting with his nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Ron and Marianne loved to host friends and family for the Anderson family Christmas in the winter and for the Waterfront Festival in the summer. When he was not sitting outside on his porch he could often be found with a cat on his lap reading. Ron is survived by his wife, Marianne; daughter, Rody (Todd) Lundgren; granddaughters, Britta and Brooke Lundgren; sister, Jeanine Larson; brothers-in-law, James, Charles (Sandra), William (Lynn), David (Cindi) and Daniel (Barb); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and mother and father-in-law, Roscoe and Catherine Anderson. A Celebration of Ron's life will be at the GOODMAN CENTER, 149 Waubesa St., Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the UW Alumni Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Sun Aug 27, 2017 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Goodman Community Center • 149 Waubesa St, Madison, WI 53704
Photos
No photos of Ronald have been shared yet.
Memories
KE
Kristen Esbensen
Other •
Ron was a gentle, lovely man, and when our young children were attending Bernie's Place on the UW Campus, a bunch of us formed a good friendship group. We celebrated life, our children, and shared much laughter. I haven't seen Ron in many years, and interestingly enough, I thought of him on Sunday, July 23, 2017, as my daughter, Sorrel, Elizabeth Stevenson, and I, were recalling one afternoon when we were all together on The Terrace. I'm glad he had a happy life and was beloved by many. I wish him well on this next journey.
AG
Alan and Linda Ginsberg
Other •
We've knew Ron for over 30 years. Comparing our film reviews from the Wisconsin Film Festival, photographing each other with Stephanie Miller at the Barrymore, dancing away at the numerous summer neighborhood music festivals, countless encounters on the Union terrace, even running into each other on the Empire Builder train as it sped through Montana one August long ago...Ron was always there with a kind smile and his wry wit...he will be missed.
SH
Sandra Rice Holmstrom
Other •
Rest In Peace classmate from Geneseo High School Class of 62!
GE
Gail Floto Edwards
Other •
As a child, Ron, Loren and I enjoyed many great times, playing at each others' homes. I treasure those memories. Rest in peace, my friend.
JB
Julie Blankenburg
Other •
To a most loving, sensitive , and caring man. He will be missed by all who knew him. Lovingly remembered forever. Rest in peace.
MW
Mike Wagnitz
Other •
Ron, you were a great friend and you will be greatly missed. Whether it was being the last two on the dance floor at 1:30 AM at a Midwesterner show or whether you were helping me deal with the curve balls of life, I could always count on you. RIP my friend.