Paul E. Larsen

Paul E. Larsen, a longtime Antigo resident and well known mechanic, died Monday, September 22, 2008 at Langlade Hospital. He was born in Crandon on April 21, 1920, a son of the late Alfred and Emma (Rogers) Larsen. The family moved to Antigo when he was a child. Mr. Larsen married the former Janet (Prastil) Larsen on March 22, 1943 in Boise, ID. She survives. A 1939 graduate of Antigo High School, Mr. Larsen served in the US Army Air Corps as a staff sargeant during World War II from 1941 until 1945. After his discharge, he returned to Antigo, working as a mechanic for the Eva Jewell auto dealership, and later at Sharon Motors and Bob's Standard Station. He was a member of Faith United Church of Christ and a former member of the Antigo Elks Club and its bowling team. Mr. Larsen enjoyed dancing, bowling, and golf. He once hit a hole in one. He also had great compassion for his pets and all strays. In addition to his wife, Janet, survivors include a daughter, Barbara (Tom) Schnitker of Lawrence, KS; a son, John (Doris) Larsen of Wausau; a sister, Esther Rice of West Allis; a brother, Donald (Eva) Larsen of Huntsville, AL; two grandchildren, Sara (George) Maatta of Germantown and Tara Renteria of Wausau; and a great-grandchild, Sophia Renteria. He is further survived by three step-grandchildren, Kimberly Svoboda, Tom Schnitker, Jr., and Krystan Coyle; five step-great-grandchildren, Lilli and Isabella Svoboda, Grace, Nicholas, and Benjamin Coyle; two nephews, Bruce and Chris Larsen; and five great-nephews and great-nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Tom Mikkelson; and two brothers, Norman and Glen Larsen.