Rev. Mr. Robert "Bob" Larsen
October 17, 1943 - September 24, 2010

"Lori Larsen, You may not remember me but I was one of Deacon Larsen's students at Regina. He taught me computers and theology 7th and 8th grade. I was the water boy for the varsity football team my freshman year of highschool before moving to Oklahoma. Came across this site as I was searching for people from that era and can't begin to tell you how much I admire your late husband and the fond memories I have of both of you. Please know of my utmost sympathies he was a great man and football coach. Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and may those who mourn be comforted. Chris Loftus"

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"Shawn and family - Just saw your fathers obituary in the New Hampton paper. I didn't realize you had a sister living here in New Hampton. So sorry to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers as I too lost my father in 2008. May your faith, family, and friends give you strength. "

"Dear Lorri and family, I was so sorry to hear about Bob's sudden passing. Both Bob and you have always held a special place in my heart from the first time I met you in 2003. You don't know how much your compassion meant to me. I wouldn't have been able to move forward without you. I will never forget what you both did for me and my family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you always. God Bless you. Yours in Christ, Jeanne "

"Lori: I am sorry to hear of Bob's death, a real surprize to me.He was always nice to be around. I knew the two of you mostly from his ministry as a deacon. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Fr. David Hitch"

"We just learned of Bob's passing. Our hearts, prayers and sympathy go out to all of you. Bob touched many a life and made it better. We join our prayers with yours as we commend Bob to heaven, "...may the angels welcome you to paradise...may you see the face of the Lord this day.."

"My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this time of loss. Deacon Larson was a wonderful man. I gained a deep respect for him during the time he taught/coached at Kuemper and through knowing Scott. I have thought of him often and am sorry to hear of his passing. "

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Larsen Family during this time. Coach made a very good impression on me in the short time I spent with him. He welcomed me with open arms when I came back from my brief stint in Ohio in 86 and for that I will always be greatful. God Bless Coach!!"

"Lori and Family, I remember all the good times that Bob and you spent in my office planning things in Iowa City. Bob will be missed greatly. I just heard today, I am sorry I can not be there. Praying for you and the family Fr. Dennis L. Hoffman St. Mary West Point, IA"

"Lori and Family, I'm saddened by Bob's passing. We send our condolences to you and to all whose lives Deacon Bob has touched. We are all richer through our contact with him. Our profession, both in the classroom and on the field is lessened. Coach Kaz"

"Shari and Larsen Family You have my deepest sympathy of the passing of you father, grandfather, and husband. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him and had an influence on our lives. May the Lord watch over you these next few weeks as you mourn. Williamsburg class of 1985 "

"Lorri and Family...It is with great sorrow that we have just learned of Bob's passing. Bob was a very good man, exemplary in many ways. We extend our very deepest sympathies, our prayers and our hearts are with you in these difficult times. God Bless! Deacon Jim & Rita Becker"

"So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Beth Ziegmann"

"I have fond memories of the Larsen family for the brief time we spent together. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bob will forever be with you and all of us. God Bless"

"Lorri and Family, Our sympathy to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. "

"We are so sorry to hear of "Bob"'s passing. Your family were so close this will be hard but we know that God will give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead. Wish we could attend would love to see the family and give you all hugs!"

"Lorri and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Deacon Larsen was a very kindhearted and generous man. I remember him when he was at Regina High School. He will be missed by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"Sorry to hear of your loss. Coach Larsen was our football coach at Wapello for one year, and we greatly enjoyed playing for him. He will be missed."

"Lori & family: Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was shocked to hear about Bob. We think of you guys everytime we go by the houses you lived in here in Wmsburg. I lost track of your whereabouts after Clinton, but I've never forgotten what good second parents you were to Stacey when you babysat her. He'll really be missed but in a very good place now. Our prayers are with all of your family and if you need anything, just call, even if just to talk, Lori. Give the kids a hug for us also. Macy Fickbalm is a member of your church in Algona and she is a friend of ours--she lives with my neice in Iowa City attending college and she explained what happened to him. Fast is an easy way for Bob to start enjoying his new life in heaven but never easy for the family left behind. We will continue praying for you and God Bless You ALL!"

"Dear Lorri, Shari, Shawn, Sarah, Scott and families, I am so sad to learn that Bob has gone to heaven--happy for him, but sad for the rest of you. Jenni, Rachel and I (especially Jenni and I--"Rabels" was pretty little!) often remember your entire family, and how all of you were such an important part of our family way back when. When the last card I sent to you was returned from Davenport, I thought I wouldn't find you again. This certainly isn't the way I thought I would ever be able to be in touch with you again. I'm so sorry for all of you. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and that I've thought and smiled every so often when I have thought about you in the past years. What a great family, special people, you all are. Bob was a great guy, and I know you will miss him so much. I still live in Williamsburg and would welcome any and all of you to visit whenever you are in this part of the state. Hugs, prayers and love, Karin"

"Lorri and family, Thank you for sharing such a great man with our community. He will be greatly missed in School, Church, and on the field. God love him for being such a wonderful person. I truly always thought his sermons were so inspirational. My prayers are with you all."

"Dear Lori and family, My deepest Sympathy to you all, Deacon Bob will be missed deeply by all. My kids enjoyed him so much through school,church anywhere they were. I enjoyed visiting with him and his sermons.I was sad when he retired, but now he will have to give sermons from heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God give you strength and love from all to help you thru this difficult time. "

"I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MR.LARSEN'S PASSING. HE WAS A DISCIPLINARIAN AND WAS TOUGH BUT IT WAS DONE FOR OUR WELL BEING. HE WAS A VERY GOOD ROLE MODEL. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF THE LARSEN FAMILY. KEITH MCCONNELL CLASS OF 87."

"Lori & Family, My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you and your family at this difficult time. Bob was a very special person and he touched may peoples hearts in his ministry. Ron thought alot of Bob and you. Thank you, for being there for me during my difficult time after lossing Ron. From: Barb Bauer "

"Lorri and family: please accept my deepest sympathies during this time of sadness. I was so sad to learn of Bob's death. He was loved and cherished by so many, including my father, Jerry who was inspired to become a deacon because of everything Bob did and stood for in his life. He will be deeply missed and please know my love and prayers are with you all. Kristi Miller Bilbrey"

"Bob and the Larsen family will be in our thoughts and prayers."

"I've only kept in touch with Scott out of sheer luck on FaceBook, but thinking of you all with nothing but EXCELLENT memories of the times I got to spend with all of you and Bob & Lorri. Hopefully the many wonderful memories you have will help you make it through this very difficult time and give you cause to smile occasionally through your tears. I'm there in spirit, giving you all a hug and missing you like crazy. All my love to you, Larsen family!"

"Lori and family - Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We consider it an honor to have know such a wonderful couple as yourself and the impact that you and Bob both have had on us since you've been a part of our lives. God Bless you and all the work you have done to carry God's message to all, especially the kids. They will always remember him as well. Love, Brad, Adrianne, Zach, Seth, Drew and Jedd"

"Lorri and children, Linda and I express our deepest sorry for the pain you must be enduring now. Bob's death comes as a profound surprise to us and serves as a reminder than none of us know the time or the place of our own demise. Bob's former classmates, Deacon's Timmerman and Pascha will have much to share with him. I'm sure Bob is getting the guided tour right now! As you endure your sorrow please remember that your husband and Dad was loved by many people, near and far. That is a lasting legacy and the truest memorial anyone could ever ask for. God bless and keep you all, Deacon Dennis and Linda Duff, Bettendorf, Iowa."

"I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Larsen's passing. His combination of caring and tough mindedness was a positive influence in my life at a time when I needed role models. And looking back now, I am confident he saved my neck a time or two when I managed to get into hot water. I will always remember Coach Larsen with affection. Joe Clancy, MDHS class of '87 "

"Sarah and John: Our thoughts and prayers for with your family at this sad sad time. Hold onto your memories and each other. May God Bless"

"Sarah and family: We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Hold on to your memories of your dad, he was a great dad and grandpa!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen, Rick, Nicole and Mathew"

"Dear Lorri and family -- I couldn't believe my ears on Saturday when I heard that Bob had died. I'm still in shock. Yet I know the Lord is with you -- and all of us -- and Bob. I have very fond and warm memories of all of you. Especially our ministry at St Mary's, Clinton and St Pat's, Iowa City. I still have a copy of "The Keystone Cops Say Mass" that we created with Fr Rich Luberti that we made at St Mary's. It's a hoot to see Bob showing us what NOT to do when celebrating the Eucharist. I wish I could be with you for the Funeral Mass -- but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Fr Jim Vrba"

"Lori and family - I am very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Even though we have lost touch through the years, I have fond memories of both you and Bob. My sincere sympathy to you, Lori, and your family. "

"Lori and Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Deacon Bob had such a gentle spirit and my family was truly blessed to know him. Sara and Lizzy - we have been thinking of you both during this time and want to know that we love you and pray for the peace of God to bless you."

"Lorri, children and grandchildren, I wish to express my prayers and sympathyu to you apon the death of Bob. Our diocese was blessed to have him ordained to the permanent diaconate at Sacred Heart and serve until family moved. "

"Sarah & John and Family, We were shocked when we heard the news. We know how close you are to your Mom and Dad. Your Dad was so special. He taught you very well, as you reminded me time and time again the traits you inherited from your Mom and Dad. I can't wait to give you a hug! Your family is in our prayers."

"Lorri, our sincere condolences to you and your family. I truly enjoyed our time spent at St. Lawrence and Kuemper together. We will continue to pray for you. May God's strength be with you. Tim and Ann Fitzpatrick"

"Lori and Family- We are sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We have good high school memories. Our prayers and sympathy to you and your family. May you be blest with God's peace and strength."

"Lorri & Family - The thoughts and prayers from many people back on the Hilltop go out to you and your family. I will always have great memories of Bob as a coach, father and a great friend. Take Care!"

"Sarah, John, and family, Aunt Joan told us about your dad's unexpected passing. We are sad for you and your family and hope and pray that your grief will soon shift to fond memories that bring a smile to your face. "

"Dear Lori and Family, I was shocked to hear of Dc. Bob's death and want you to know of my prayers as I celebrate Mass today and tomorrow. We sure missed him and all of you in the Davenport Diocese and I have fond memories of the times I worked and interacted with Bob in the diocese. All of you are in our prayers. He truly was a man of faith ... may he experience the fullness of life in Christ's presence. "

"Dear Lorri, so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ironically, last week Celeste Vincent and I were reminiscing on years past and Bob and your names came up. Take and accept a big hug being sent your way. Sister Mary Fran Michalec, ND "

"A great man to have been a mentor, friend, and fellow traveler to eternal life. I feel very blessed to have received his wisdom, and more importantly, that he shared his family and love of the Church. I think I last saw him when I was privileged to assist him at his Mother's funeral - he was a huge joy to work with, and a blessing on numerous occasions. I will never forget his frequent retelling of my 1st parish homily at St Mary Clinton, when he ducked into the back of the Church and completely erased my memory with his pressence - he reminded me there will always be great humility in His service. Love & Prayers always JJS"

"Lorri and family along with bothers and sisters of Bob. My condolences and prayers. I have many found memories of Bob sharing ministry in DeWitt. I know that Melvin and Bernadine were there to welcome Bob to heaven. I'm sure that dad has a project that needs work--brick laying or fishing and mom is there with the McMahon grin. May God bless you in this time of pain, sorrow and passing. My Love and prayers. Fr. Bob Harness"

"Lorri and family along with bothers and sisters of Bob. My condolences and prayers. I have many found memories of Bob sharing ministry in DeWitt. I know that Melvin and Bernadine were there to welcome Bob to heaven. I'm sure that dad has a project that needs work--brick laying or fishing and mom is there with the McMahon grin. May God bless you in this time of pain, sorrow and passing. My Love and prayers. Fr. Bob Harness"

"Lori, My sympathy and prayers on Bob's sudden death. I would like to be at the funeral tomorrow but because of a commitment to celebrate Mass tomorrow for the Carmelite Sisters I will not be able to attend. I will be with you in spirit and will offer my Mass on Wednesday for Bob. God bless you and your family. Father Larry Burns"

"Lorri and children, Bob was a good man. Often when all is said and done, more is said than done. For BoB, he saw to it that more was done. He was always willing to serve. We will miss his kind demeanor and his wonderful friendship. We keep Bob and you in our prayers as we thank God for this life of Bob well lived. Stay close and stay close to Jesus. Peace and love, Paul and Mary Hittner "

"Sarah and John and family, We were very sorry to hear about your Dad Sarah. He truly enjoyed all his grandkids, and spending time with you all at the farm. Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to all the families. Jack and Betty Gorman "

"Dear Lorri and Family, I am saddened to learn of Bob's suddent death and the sorrow you feel because of this. Please know of my prayers for you in a special way at this time. As Bob now knows the fullness of God's love in heaven, may you know the tender compassion of Christ as you grieve Bob's passing. �??Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.�?� May Bob's love shine brightly upon you these days of remembrance, prayer and grieving. "

"Lori and family, We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Coach Larsen taught me so much and he will be missed dearly. The Mayers"

"Sarah, John and Family, Our sympathies to you and your family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories comfort you during this time of loss. "

"Steve and I send our sincere sympathies to you and your family. Coach Larson was the football coach at Regina when our son played football. You are in our prayers."

"Lorri, I extend my deepest sympathy at the sudden death of Deacon Bob. He was loved by all, and will be missed by many. To remember the wonderful memories of him, now and always. I will always think of his wonderful homilies that touched us, and his wonderful smile that was so sincere. Keep your prayers that touched you both to hold you forever. My love and prayers, Rita"

"Dear Lori and family, My heart and prayers go out to you at the loss of Bob. What I remember was Bob's fun loving nature that could see good even in complicated situations. I always enjoyed the clergy institute in Iowa City which was a wonderful place to reconnect! Bob touched many people through his sports contact and through his work as a deacon. St. Paul said, "I have fought the good fight, I have run the good race, and now the merited crown awaits me." May the Lord's loving presence support you as you go forward."

"Dear Lori & Family my sympathy and and prayers are with you all. I was deeply saddened when I learned of Bob's passing. I have many fond memories growing up with him in DeWitt and also the fun times with the two of you in Davenport many years ago. From: Craig Reimers "

"Sarah and family, My sympathy to you and your family. While I didn't know your dad, I know the presence he had in your life. Prayers for you during this difficult time."

"Dear Lorri and family-Our deepest sympathies are with you at this time. Deacon Bob baptized our daughter a while back. Although we have since moved away, we can see from the messages here and on facebook that Deacon Bob was a man who lived his life helping others by showing them the light of Christ. He was a beacon to many. Peace to you. "

"Lorri and family, My family and I were incredibly sad to hear about Deacon Bob's passing. Deacon always had a smile, a kind word and a warm hug every time I was home in Algona for Mass. My husband and I truly enjoyed the time we spent with him as we prepared for our wedding two years ago... He was such a wonderful man. Sending you our thoughts and prayers, Kelly and Ryan Eagle"

"Scott and family, So sorry to hear about your dad. We will be praying for your family. Sara (Baumhover- KHS Class of '95) Skinner and family "

"Sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I know this is a great loss to you, your family, and the Catholic church. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I will always remember his participation at Bea's wake and funeral. His help was greatly appreciated."

"Sorry seems so inadequate at this time but so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. "

"Lori&Family.. Glen and I were saddened by the loss of Deacon Bob. He had such a wonderful gift. His homily's were wonderful, missed them so much when we left Algona. So glad that you got to go to Rome. You are both such wonderful people and did so much for St. Cecelia's and Garrigan. Thank you so much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mary and Glen Thilges "

"Lori and Family, We are very saddened by the loss of Deacon Bob. He will be greatly missed. We enjoyed getting to know him in school and outside of school. He always had a smile on his face and would always have time to to start up a conversation with us. We have learned so much from him and will never forget him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prays. Love, Debbie and Denise Kohlhaas"

"Lori, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Deacon Bob was a wonderful man with a giant heart! I graduated from Garrigan in 2006 and had deacon as a teacher. He has taught me so much not only in school but in my own faith. He will never be forgotten and will be missed. Sincerely, Monica Schiltz"

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "

"Lorri, Was shocked and saddened to hear about Bob. Have so many fond memories of him. You and your family are in all my thoughts and prayers. Love, Madonna."

"9/26/'10 To Lorri Larsen and Families- My thoughts and prayers are with all of during this time of sadness on the loss of your loved one-Deacon Bob Larsen. I read his story on the OakCrest website and he had a deep love for children and the Church and especially his Garrigan High School Family as well as all of you-his immediate Family. The Angels in heaven will be blessed with Deacon Bobs Presence and may you all treasure the many memories of your loved one. I didn't know Deacon Bob Personally but I use to live in Algona, Iowa untill 1970 when I moved to Park Rapids, Minnesota with my family. My sister Patricia(VonBank)Edwards of Nevis, Minnesota use to attend Garrigan High School during her Freshman and Sophomore Years at Garrigan and she got a wonderful education there and I have many relatives who have graduated from Bishop Garrigan and I know they all knew who Deacon Bob Larsen was. May Deacon Bob rest in peace with all the angels in heaven and remember that he is not gone- "Just Away" where one day you will all be reunited with him Once Again. With Sincerest Prayers and Sympathy- Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota(Formerly from Algona, Iowa)."

"Lori and family,our hearts and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time. We too are saddened at the loss of Deacon Bob.He is going to be missed very much."

"Lori & family Our sympathy to you on the death of Deacon Bob. We will keep Deacon Bob and the family in our prayers."

"Dear Lori and Family, What a shock at the loss of our beloved Deacon and friend! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bishop Garrigan has lost a true friend and spiritual guide. He was so happy last night at the game when receiving his award before the game...we all smiled with and cheered for him. God bless Bob and each of you. "

"Lori and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Deacon Bob touched so many lives and we were blessed that he touched our lives as well. As the kids said to us, we will keep our memories of Deacon close to our hearts forever. Rich and Julie Illg Family "

"Lori & Family We are very saddened by the loss of Deacon Bob. He will be missed by many, including my family. He was a very special person and touched so many people with his ministry. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family."

" Lori&family our deepest regret on the lost of you loved one and husband Bob! vicki and I will miss Bob very very much. He was a very special person to the both of us!! He will be greatly missed!! Our prayer and thoughts are with you!! "

" Lori&family our deepest regret on the lost of you loved one and husband Bob! vicki and I will miss Bob very very much. He was a very special person to the both of us!! He will be greatly missed!! Our prayer and thoughts are with you!! "

"Lori & family, Our thoughts,prayers and condolences go out to you at this sad time. Bob was a lovely, caring man, and he will be missed by many."

"Lori and family,our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We enjoyed Deacon Bob and he will be missed by so many. Our prayer are with you and your family. "

"Lori and Family Our hearts go out to you. Decan was a friend and a wonderful teacher to our daughters. He will be missed by all. He has touched many hearts and will be remembered. Heaven has aquired a wonderful gift this weekend,and we have lost one. Please stay strong. Dale and Sue Golwitzer, Amber, Amanda and Amelia"

"Lori & Family, you have our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Deacon Bob was a great man, and will be missed by all who knew him. You will be in our prayers."

"Lori and family: I don't even know what to say. It was Bob who convinced me to become a Deacon along with your help. He helped both Terry and I to realize that to be a Deacon was to love people. He also helped us realize that the road of the Deacon was not always easy and that Deacons often had to struggle with life, in family, in ministry and in work. "May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ." Our prayers are with you. Dc. Jerry and Terry Miller, Iowa City"

"Lori and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. A great man has been sent to heaven to look down on all of us."

"Scott, Ellie, and Family - Our deepest sympathy to you all. Deacon Bob touched many lives and will be missed by all. Our prayers are with you."

"Dear Lorri and Family ~ Our Prayers and condolences are with you. May PEACE reign in your hearts of gratitude the gift Bob was to so many; may happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. When a loved one goes home to the Lord, He leaves the gift of memories in exchange. Dcn.Bob and family will be remembered at the Grotto of Notre Dame. Our continued prayers."

"We are so saddened to hear of Deacon Bob's passing. He and Lorrie had been a wonderful part of St. Cecelia's and Bishop Garrigan for so long. He will be missed by many. Craig and Betty Erpelding"

"Lori and family, We are saddened to learn of Deacon Bob's passing. He brought so much to St. Ceceilia and we feel fortunate to have been witnesses to his great works. Thinking of you and your loved ones."

"Aunt Lori, and cousins Shari, Scott, Shawn and Sarah: I was deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. I am so grateful that I was able to see him last year along with the rest of you after too many years. I am sending my biggest hugs and love to all of you. Kate"