Name/Title
Announcement, FuneralEntry/Object ID
2013.020.0017Scope and Content
Obituary for Paul O. Larson - 1/9/1927 - 2/18/2011
it appeared in the Benicia Herald in February 2011
Highlights:
He passed away from complications following recent surgery, peacefully, surrounded by his family.
He was born on a farm in Bovey, Minn to Alma and Nels Larson.
He was raised in the Lutheran Church.
His education began in a one room school house and he raduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minn in 1944. He attended Itasca Junior College and the University of North Dakota where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1950.
He served in the US Navy during World War II and the Korean War.
In 1952 he began a 35 year career with General Motors Corp. While there he worked on the development of guidance and navigation systems for ballistic missiles, Projects Mercury through Apollo and commercial and Air Force aircraft.
He was awarded the Ballistic Missile Systems Divn Commander's Award for his contribution to the Titan II program.
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his efforts in procedures that led to the safe return of the Apollo 13 astronauts.
He belonged to the University of North Dakota Alumni Association, Mensa Internation Society and had many hobbies.
He was survived by daughter Nancy Roetzer of Benicia CA, daughter Peggy Larson of Seattle WA, and granddaughter Anne Roetzer of Seattle WA. He was also survived by sisters Annabelle O'Malley and Hele Hughes, both of Mesa AR.
Preceding him in death were his wife Annie and five infant children, his parents, sisters Mabel and Louise and brother Norman.
Private family funeral services were held a Passalacqua Funeral Chapel in Benicia CA. A memorial service was to take place later in Santa Barbara CA.
In lieu of flowers memorial were directed to the University of North Dakota Foundation - Paul and Annie Larson Endowment Fund.
6-1/4" x 12-1/4" articles on an 8-1/2" x 14" sheetCollection
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