Eric H. Larson, 88, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024 at his home in Oak Brook, Illinois, surrounded by his family.
Eric lived his life with one goal: to be the best husband, father, and grandfather, and to support his family with love and devotion. By that definition, his life was a resounding success! A core tenet of his life was a strong work ethic, as evidenced by his 55-year career as an industrial specialty coating salesman; incredibly, he drove well over 1,000,000 miles throughout his career. All this, while still finding time to be a passionate gardener, doting husband, involved father, cook, friend, baseball coach, and Cub Scout leader. During that span he selflessly supported and provided for his family, which included paying for all four children to attend college; it was his goal to “provide a better opportunity for his children than he was given.” During that time, he positively impacted the lives of countless people who worked with him, for him and, most importantly, were his customers. So much so, that one of his customers named his first son after Eric, a complement which he always cherished.
On April 4, 1964, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Elmhurst, he married Patricia Ring. They lived a life filled with laughter with family and among dozens of friends. They raised their family in Elmhurst and moved to Oak Brook to enjoy their empty-nest years, but they didn’t slow down. Eric and Pat enjoyed snowbirding in Florida, spending time with their grandchildren, and staying active golfing, playing cards, and socializing with their lifelong friends. Eric H. Larson is survived by his wife Patricia, who survives at home and would be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on April 4. Loving father of Eric C. Larson (Michelle Sherman), Lisa (Mathias) Jeanneret, Michael (Barbara) Larson, Kevin Larson; proud grandfather of Elizabeth, Lucas, Patrick, Paul, Kate, Sofia, Charlie, Anna and Andrew; dear brother of the late Peggy, the late Carole, the late Raymond, Susan Koevenig, and Richard.
Visitation Friday, March 22, 2024, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (1/2 mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Friends and family will meet for a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 South York Road, (At Madison). Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Congregation of Mother of Carmel, 837 South Linden Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. Live Stream of funeral Mass available through funeral home website. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
Gail
Sorry for your loss. Eric sounds like a special person. My condolences to his family
Lyle and SandicHill
We met Pat and Eric when we moved into the Oak Brook Club. We quickly came to love them both. Eric was quick witted and so much fun to be with. We will miss him. Pat, you took such good care of him these past few weeks. Our condolences to the family.
Ronald A Rossi
Sue and I have known the Larsons for over 30 years. We met them when we were in a bowling group in Elmhurst They were very good bowlers and we became fast friends with them. We could never beat them on the lanes. We moved to the Oak Brook Club in 2004 and live just down the hall from them. Our friendship continues to this day. we will miss seeing them in the hall and garage. Eric was a good person and always had a kind word for everyone. We will miss him.
Jim Kleinow
My deepest condolences on the loss of Eric. We had many long hours having
Coffee and talking. Two years of the Covid he spent standing in the lighthouse
Having Coffee we talked many hours talking about his family. I will miss
Eick a lot we had good times talking. RIP Eric.
mary guardalabene
Pat: Eric and Joe guardalabene along with miene, ray, and many others would see each other at the vehicle repair shop in villa park. I called it the Old Boys Club. I believe they all went to York High School. I was very shocked when Eric’s obit showed up 3 days before Joe’s. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.