Gene R. Larsen, 85, of Superior, died Monday, December 23, 2013 at Golden Living Center, Superior.

He was born November 8, 1928 in Superior, son of Edwin and Elida (Holmes) Larsen.

On November 17, 1949 in Tijuana, Mexico, Margie Lyons and Gene Larsen were united in marriage.

Gene proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1953, during both WWII and the Korean Conflict. While in the Navy, he was a Golden Gloves boxer.

His work history continued on Superior's waterfront for over 30 years, having worked for O and M Elevators and ConAgra, until his retirement as chief weigher. Also, for many years, he owned several bar/restaurants in Superior.

One of Gene's favorite sports was baseball. He played in the Vacationland League for South Superior. For 10 straight years he played in the Northwest fast pitch softball tournaments, for Wisconsin Grain Millers and the O'Brien Oilers. Gene coached little league baseball for the Superior Youth Organization throughout the 1960's. He was an avid Milwaukee Braves/Brewers and Wisconsin Badger fan. In addition to baseball, it was well known that Gene bled green and gold!

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Jerry and Steven; and brother, Marvin Carlson.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Margie; daughter, Marcie (Brad) Larsen Maxwell, Ellsworth, WI; sons, Michael Larsen, Superior, Richard (Jean) Larsen, Superior, Robert (Donna) Larsen, Lake Nebagamon, WI, and Daniel (Kathy) Larsen, Solon Springs, WI; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Jerome (Shirley) Larsen, Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Shirley Olson, Minneapolis, MN; 5 nephews and a niece.

The visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. service, Friday, January 3, 2014 at Faith United Methodist Church, Superior. Reverend Joel Certa-Werner will officiate.

The committal service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Superior, at a later date.