Julius Larson Sr.

Julius Larson was a hard working man who loved the sport of hunting and fishing. He shared much with his children over the years, which made his heart glad. Julius never needed much, and was thankful for the little things. Gone but never to be forgotten, he will be missed by those who knew and loved him. In 1932, the U.S. economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many ordinary citizens struggled to keep their families fed and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds as a welcome relief from everyday worries. For Stanley and Sibyl (Cavanaugh) Larson of Newaygo, Michigan, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their son, Julius Alfred Larson on December 16, 1932. Julius was the first child and a welcome addition to the Larson home that Christmas. He was later joined by his younger siblings, brothers, Leon, Paul, Bob, Stan, Sam and Danny and sisters, Donna, Eleanor and Shelley. Life was very tough growing up for young Julius. His family was quite poor, and they moved around a lot. He also suffered the death of his mother when he was merely ten years old. From a young age he helped with his younger siblings as best as he could. During his youth he did find time to hunt and fish which he loved throughout his life. Having left his schooling behind after the eighth grade, Julius set out to help provide for his family. In time he found his way to Muskegon, Michigan where he worked various jobs to earn a living. Before long he was introduced to Delores Taylor. Quite smitten, they began a dating relationship and soon fell in love. Delores was a single mother, and when they married in November of 1953, Julius took on her daughter, Cheryl as his own. In 1954 they were blessed with the birth of their son, Julius Jr., followed by Joseph in 1956. Their last child, Jeff completed their family in 1958. Julius and Delores made their home at the Ruddiman Terrace Apartments before purchasing their very first home on nearby Hudson Street. Many family memories were shared in this home and it was the place where Julius called home for the rest of his days. Julius eventually landed a job working at the Story and Clark Piano Factory in Grand Haven, Michigan as a cabinet maker. He remained there for the next 30 years until the factory closed in 1984. From there he worked at a few different jobs through Manpower. He delivered food for Meals on Wheels, and also worked at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park before eventually retiring. Julius was a good provider for his family and was involved in the lives of his children. He coached his boys Little League and Pony League baseball teams through the years, often playing at nearby Campbell Field and Anderson Field. Hunting season was without question one of Julius' favorite times of the year. He eventually bought a piece of property near Bitely, Michigan, and placed a small trailer there. He loved taking the boys and other relatives there on hunting excursions. Through the years, the trailer gave way to a cabin where the men and boys gathered every deer hunting season for fun-filled times playing cards, sitting around the campfire, and faring their share of deer each season. Of course, one of his many dogs throughout the years was sure to accompany him on his trips to Bitely. His daughter, Cheryl said they never had a regular Thanksgiving family dinner because all the guys were always up at the cabin hunting! Before long, Julius even picked up the art of taxidermy. It became a worthwhile hobby for Julius and his children as they often helped him prepare the skins for mounting. Although Julius' marriage to Delores ended in 1973, he was thankful for the wonderful children from their union. He went on to date from time to time, but nothing seemed to last. Julius enjoyed spending time in his large garden in the lot next to his home. There he lovingly cultivated various vegetables and plentiful flowers and plants such as roses, elephant ears, and others. Julius thoroughly enjoyed just sitting in his lawn chair in the garage watching people go by and observing activity in the neighborhood. He was a regular at the neighborhood clubs around his home, like Innis Inn, DJs, Buds, and Westside Inn to name a few where he made many friends. In his later years, his son Jeff took him on his rounds to visit with his buddies. Julius also kept busy as a member of the Pulaski Lodge and the Muskegon Heights Eagles. For a time his grandson, Josh even lived with him. As long as he was able, Julius continued his love of hunting and fishing. The years eventually took their toll on Julius. He began showing signs of dementia and could no longer live alone. For the last five years of his life, he lived in several assisted living facilities which included Day Spring in Muskegon and Robinswood in Grand Haven. Sadly, at the age of 80, Julius Larson died peacefully on Christmas Day, 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Moore; sons, Julius "Bim" (Laurel) Larson, Jr., Joseph (Darlene) Larson, Jeff (Carol) Larson, all of Muskegon; ten grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Stanley Robinson, Bob Robinson, Danny Larson, Sam Holderbaum; sisters, Donna Geesey, Eleanore Pallas and Shelley Martin. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Leon and Paul Larson. MEMORIAL GATHERING: Friday, December 28, 2012, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon with a time of sharing at 7:00 PM. MEMORIAL: To the family. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Julius and to sign his online guest book.