JOEL LARSON

Joel Malcolm Larson was born in Abbotsford, WI in 1933, the favorite son of Malcolm and Iris Larson

He joined the Navy in 1952 and served until 1956, continuing as part of the Reserves until 1960.

In 1957 he married his Weyauwega sweetheart, Marie Buchholz. Yes, 66 years of marriage, staying married even after he was sent to the store to buy a washing machine and came home with a boat.  

His jobs included working with his dad at the Sinclair gas station in Weyauwega, before moving to Neenah in 1960 to work at the Bergstrom Paper Company. That wasn't quite exciting enough, so he decided running into burning buildings was a good idea, and he faithfully served the city of Neenah as a fire fighter for 24 years from 1967 until 1991.

He was fond of anything sweet, except cheesecake.  

He was also fond of quirky sayings, such as, “If you can read, you've got it made.”  and “Have a cup of coffee and a roll downstairs.”  and “Are you going to walk to work or carry your lunch?”  and “If it hurts, don't do it.”  We referred to these sayings as Joel-isms.  We often didn't understand them, but for some reason, we quote them often.  

He loved to drive and over the years had several favorite trucks.  If he wasn't slowing vehicles in the left lane or rolling through stop signs, he had a great time hauling wood or treasures that he found on the side of the road.

He especially loved driving big vehicles: ambulances, firetrucks (including the famous firetruck Santa float), and Ryder trucks.  After retirement, he drove his truck and 5th wheel all around the country camping with Marie as snowbirds.  

He had an amazing gift of gab, chatting with anyone willing to listen.  He'd eagerly tell stories of speeding down Abbotsford hills, visiting the Sandy Banks, or explaining the lesson of Wrong Way Corrigan.

His favorite hobbies included wielding his chainsaw, watching Jeopardy, and modifying household items into unique contraptions. 

He laughed easily and he laughed often.  He often called family members to say, “I just wanted to hear your voice.” 

The last few years you could find him at Eagle Point - playing Sheepshead, delivering newspapers, exasperating the nursing staff, and passing out extra jelly as needed. 

He entered the arms of Jesus on August 3 and is survived by his wife, 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Since he's no longer thinking about whether he must walk to work or carry his lunch, he can stroll along the streets of gold looking for someone to talk to.   

The visitation is Thursday, August 10 at 3:00 p.m. with service to follow at 4:00 p.m. at Martin Luther Church: 436 S Lake St, Neenah. Military Honors then be conducted by the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Tunnels to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org.