BYRON – Ralph Elliott Larson, 85, of Byron, passed away Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon. Ralph was born Feb. 6, 1936 in Madison, Wis., the son of Ralph E. Larson Sr. and Maysie (Beutler) Larson.
A graduate of Carroll College, Ralph joined the U.S. Army as part of the chemical corp. After his honorable discharge, he worked for the Boy Scouts which landed him in Richland Center where he met his “first wife” (as he called her, or sometimes “child bride”) Jeanine Sorge. They married on May 2. 1964 and settled in Madison, and as their family grew, eventually Middleton. His banking career took the family to Byron and to German-American State Bank where he retired from in 2002. A lifelong Green Bay Packer, Wisconsin Badger, and Chicago Cub fan, Ralph cheered faithfully for his teams and was especially pleased when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series.
He served his community as Byron City Treasurer, Ogle Count 4-H Fair Board, Winnebago County Fair Board, and a Byron Fire Department Trustee. Ralph served his church as a Fourth-degree Knight of Columbus and Acolyte at St. Mary Catholic Church, Byron. He loved fishing and hunting; he shared that love with his sons and grandsons.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanine, and children: Annette (Dale) Hartman, Stephanie (Dan) Beck, Jeffrey (Molly) Larson and Kurt Larson. Ralph deeply loved his family, especially his 11 grandchildren: Zeke (Jessica), Tyrus (Molly), Devin, Emily, Ally, Morgan, Andrew, Regan, Ava, Ean, and Bryn. Ralph’s many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great nieces were also very special to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr and Maysie; son, Joseph; in-laws, Rudy and Marie Sorge; sister-in-law, Kathleen Sorge; and sister, Jane.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Serenity Hospice & Home, Byron Fire Department, or St. Mary Catholic Church, Byron. The family would like to recognize and thank Serenity Hospice & Home, Visiting Angels, the VA, and the many caregivers for their loving care of Ralph.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Dec. 29, from 4-7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Byron with a 7 p.m. Rosary Service, A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, also at St. Mary Catholic Church, Byron with Rev Richard Rosinski as celebrant. Private Burial at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona, Wisconsin. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Byron assisted the family with arrangements.
