Wayne F. Larson, age 74 of Rockford, Ill., formerly of Darlington, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, Ill. He was born Sept. 11, 1942 in Milwaukee, the son of Ludwig and Lillian (Otremba) Larson. Wayne graduated from Darlington High School in 1961. He was united in marriage to Linda Jo Pratt on Sept. 5, 1964 in Darlington. Wayne lived in Darlington until 1965 when he moved to Rockford. He worked at Ideal Uniform Service for many years until retiring in 2005.
Wayne is survived by his two children: Robby Larson and Kim (Antwain Hollins) Larson both of Rockford; one granddaughter: Mercedes Hollins; one sister: Dianne Williams of Newport Richey, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Linda on June 29, 2005; one granddaughter: Sammantha Larson Johnson; and his dog “Nitske”.
Wayne served in the U.S. Air Force and was a former Moose Lodge member and VFW American Legion Post in Rockford. He was a diehard Packer fan. Wayne adored his granddaughter Mercedes and loved to spend time with his dog Mandy. He cherished the time he spent with his family creating memories that will last them a lifetime. Wayne will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service was held Monday, March 20, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church (546 Park Place, Darlington) where Rev. Angela Steinhauer officiated. Burial was in the Gratiot Methodist Evangelical Cemetery in Gratiot, where military graveside rites were accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli Darlington American Legion Post #214.  A visitation was held Monday, March 20, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Wayne’s name.