David M. Larson, Jr. 94, formerly of Kenosha, died January 12, 2024, at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Born on May 24, 1929, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was the son of David M. Larson, Sr. and Betty (Schwartz). Dave “Skip” graduated in 1948 from Kenosha High School.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York, as a Control Tower Operator. He was credited with saving 2 planes and 40 lives on the same night from disaster, ultimately receiving the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On April 14, 1951, he married Dolores “Dolly” Vernol, in Newburgh, New York. The marriage later ended in divorce.
After returning to Kenosha, he worked at American Motors Corporation (Chrysler) in the cost accounting Department, retiring after 30 years of service.
Dave’s passion was bowling and was an avid bowler in Kenosha, winning many recognitions during his career. His greatest honor was being inducted into the Kenosha Bowling Hall of Fame.
In 1970, along with his close friends and teammates Bill Marescalco, Sr., Bill Marescalco, Jr., Bob Larson, and Eddie Babich they bought and operated Sheridan Lanes for many years.
On April 29, 1987, Dave married Jan Kunath in Reno, Nevada. They made their home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to his beloved wife Jan, he is also survived by his 3 children: Linda (Paul) Kosecki, Michelle (Randy) Dreifke and David (Buzz) M. Larson III (Kim); and 6 grandchildren, Jason Kosecki, Ryan (Amanda) Dreifke, David (Alisha) Larson, Matthew (Natalle) Dreifke, Katie and Kara Larson. Also Surviving are his stepchildren, Karen (Jerry) Petts, Sue (Randy) Robarge, John Kunath and Betty (Chuck) Meehan along with 13 step-grandchildren: Tom (Melanie) Kunath, Jackie & Jerry Petts, Bill (Lisa) Ipsen, Douglas (Lori) Arendt, Amber (Adam) Leys, Alesha (Jose) Mendoza, Jenna, Jamie, Jessica & John Robert Kunath, and Katie & Derek (Stephanie) Meehan. He is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two stepdaughters, Cindy Grube and Lorrie Arendt.
A church service with Military Honors will be held for Dave at 6:00 PST on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. The service will be streamed on https://web.facebook.com/goodsamlv or https://www.youtube.com/goodsamlv
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158,
would be appreciated.
