Grandpa Larsen's Funeral

Orr "Ike" Larsen 1921 ~ 2009 Orr I. Larsen (Ike), 87, loving father and grandfather, passed away on February 2, 2009 in Sandy, Utah. Ike was born on August 24, 1921 to Hyrum Smith and Dora Accord Larsen in Standardville, Utah. He married Mildred Ethel Myers on April 28, 1944 in Salt Lake City, UT. Marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 15, 1951. Ike served in the US Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1946 in many areas of the South Pacific. He was decorated for his military service. He worked in the floor covering business for his entire career. He owned and operated LarCor Floors in Midvale, Utah. He was an active member of the LDS Church; holding various callings, including: counselor in the bishopric, high counselor and gospel doctrine teacher. His favorite callings involved Scouting. He received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award. Survived by his children, Brent (Linda) Larsen of Lehi; Annette (Melvin) Davis of West Jordan; daughter-in-law, Mary Larsen of Highland; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren with three on the way. Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred; son, Gregory Larsen; 11 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at the Midvale East Stake Center, 240 E. 7470 S. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment, Riverton City Cemetery. www.goffmortuary.com

It was a very special day for us to be able to celebrate the life of Grandpa Larsen. We were so lucky to have all of Granpa's kids, grandkids and great-grandkids attend the funeral. The service was wonderful. I really enjoyed hearing all the stories and tributes that were given in Granpa's behalf. He loved his family so much and I know that he would have been happy about how his funeral went.

Some of the great grandson's decieded to wear their BYU hats in honor of the great love Grandpa had for BYU cougar sports. He has definitely passed that love onto most of his grandkids and great grandkids.

Unfortunately it started raining right when the graveside service started. Luckily we had enough umbrellas to keep everyone dry.

I am really amazed at how much Peyton really understands about life and death. He knew that Grandpa Larsen's spirit had just left his body for a time and that one day he would live again. It was so cute during the graveside service when Eli wanted to wake Grandpa up. Peyton went on to explain to Eli that Grandpa was not just sleeping but that his spirit now lived in heaven. It was such a priceless moment. The day that I told Peyton that Grandpa had died he told me that he had water in his eyes and he didn't know why. But he wanted to make sure that I knew that the water in his eyes were not tears and that he was not crying! Peyton also understands a lot about the resurrection. It really makes him feel good that he is only going to have to die once and then he will get to live forever without anymore dying. I am grateful that even at this young age he already understands so much about Heavenly Father's Plan.

This picture says so much about Grandpa Larsen!

We were so lucky to get a picure of all of Grandpa's 17 grandchildren at the luncheon following the graveside service.

We were also able to get a picture with my mom, all my siblings and our kids.