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Born and raised in Cherokee, Iowa, Don served in the U.S. Air Force between wars. He began his firefighting career at Rapid City Air Force Base carrying those skills to post-service employment in Milwaukee with Harley-Davidson and his eventual career with the Wauwatosa Fire Department.
Don married Ruth in 1951 and in 1957 they bought a tiny, two-bedroom house in Wauwatosa which Don, and a crew of skilled, off-duty firefighters transformed into a roomy four-bedroom that he and Ruth made a home. Three children and a granddaughter were raised there. Don drew his last breath in the living room he drywalled while in a walking cast 59 years prior.
Don retired in 1985 and he and Ruth hit the road. Winters were spent in Apache Junction, AZ; summers in Price County, WI. Both places were enhanced by Don’s skills as a builder and repairman. Both places were welcoming spots for family and friends.
An avid reader, road warrior and tinkerer, Don handled his eroding vision (macular degeneration) with grace and dignity. He became Ruth’s navigator, accepting his situation without complaint. His kindness, generosity, keen wit, and respect for the world were merely the last examples of a life lived wonderfully and unselfishly.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wauwatosa Fire Department Local 1923 Charitable Fund, C/O Jeff Dethloff @ Wauwatosa Fire-Local 1923, 1601 Underwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI, 53213.
Donald A. Larson passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024, at the age of 95. Loving husband to Ruth (nee) Wilmot of 72 years. Warmhearted and generous dad to Steven (Karen) Larson, Daniel Larson, and Ronda Stratman. Beloved grandpa to Nichol (Stacey), JD (Elle), and Emma (Nick). Great grandpa Howdy to Avery, Gabrielle, and Aidan.Continue Reading