St. George, Utah – Garth D Larsen, 96, returned to the arms of his loving wife and Heavenly Father on January 13, 2019. He was born June 18, 1922 in Emery, Utah to Lewis Oliver and Florence Elizabeth Mortensen Larsen. He married Cleo Alena Rich on January 2, 1943 in San Francisco, California where they celebrated that evening sharing a hot dog on market street before he left for war. Their marriage was solemnized in the St. George Temple on June 24, 2000.
He was raised in Emery, attended Emery High School where he participated in track, tennis, and played the trumpet in a local dance band. He also attended Weber State University after graduation. He served in the United State Navy in 4 different war regions during WWII. After an honorable discharge, he and his sweetheart made their home in Price, Utah, where Garth worked at the local bank starting as a teller and working his way up to regional manager for Zions Bank. He enjoyed the relationships he built helping the local people of Price for 43 years. He enjoyed golfing with his friends at the Carbon Country Club and later after retirement in 1987 continued that love in St. George at the Bloomington County Club. His family was his top priority and any chance he got to spend time with them camping, fishing, or on vacation is what made him most happy.
He is survived by his children Debi (Bert) Leeflang; Todd (Sherry) Larsen of St. George, Utah; Freddie Larsen of Salt Lake City, Utah; 10 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Cleo and son Richard. He is also preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 18, 2019 at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah at 11 am. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 prior to services. Interment will be held in the St. George City Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, UT for their loving care and concern provided to him for the last 6 months.
Arrangement are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Garth’s guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com
