James Larsen

James N. (Jim) Larsen, age 90, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, surrounded by family.

Jim was born on November 10, 1935, in Neenah, Wisconsin, the oldest child of Oscar and Minerva (Lambie) Larsen. Other than a three-year period in the late 1960s, he lived his entire life in the Neenah area.

On May 10, 1958, Jim married Gloria Desens in Clintonville, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed with four children and marked by 68 years of love, family, and cherished memories.

A 1954 graduate of Neenah High School and a six-year member of the U.S. Army Reserves, Jim began his career as an apprentice in a machine shop. Over the years, he held positions in research and development as a Customer Technical Specialist, Project and Service Engineer, and Service Manager working for American Can, Sargento, Combined Packaging, and Duralam. At age 65, he launched his own consulting business, where he became a highly sought-after problem solver whose expertise was valued throughout the food packaging industry.

Jim could fix nearly anything and was known for finding creative ways to tackle any challenge. Family, friends, and even friends of friends regularly sought his advice, knowing he would find a way to make things work.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gloria; his children, Susan (Joel) Taggart and their son Ethan (Kelly) Taggart; Kathy (Larry) Funk; Doug Larsen; and Dave Larsen (Maria Jacques) and his children, Alex (Ashleigh) Larsen and Anna (Christian) Price, and a great-grandchild expected in November 2026.

He is further survived by his siblings, Margaret (Robert) Cowling and Dan Larsen; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gerald (JoAnne) Desens, Karen Smith, Carol (Dave) Hammen, Chong Desens, and Dennis (Debbie) Desens; his lifelong friend, Doug (Joan) Schneider; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Larsen and Minerva Merow and his stepfather Ernie Merow; his parents-in-law, Leonard and Elnora Desens; and his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Charlotte Larsen, Ed Smith, Sharon and Don Riske, and Byron Desens.

Jim's life was well lived. He found great joy in traveling, tinkering in his shop, building lasting friendships, and spending time with his family—whether at Grandpa's lake, on family vacations, hunting, fishing, at the county fair, or cheering on his grandchildren at their events. If something was broken, Jim could fix it. If someone needed help, he was there. He leaves behind a legacy of ingenuity, generosity, and perseverance that will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on August 15, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Road, Neenah. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m.