Robert Alfred Larson

Robert Alfred Larson was born December 12, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Siegfried and Pauline (Baierl) Larson. Bob grew up in Pittsburgh, where he attended McNaugher grade school, and went on to graduate from West View High School in 1953. In high school, Bob participated in football, basketball and volleyball. He was also captain of his track team and was a chess champion. Following high school, he attended Grove City College where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1957. He ran track, played football, participated in ROTC and was a member of the Nu Lambda Phi Fraternity at Grove City. After college, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served in England from August 1957 until his honorable discharge in November 1960, holding the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Bob married Irma May Hemmrich on November 16, 1957 at Christ Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, and to this union, six children were born: Jeffrey, Cheryl, Michelle, Kristin, and twins Erin and Sean. The family has made their home in Pennsylvania, England, New Jersey and for the last 30 years, Omaha, Nebraska. Bob worked for many years in the insurance industry as an agent, manager, regional manager, and attained the title of Regional Vice President of the Central States of Omaha. He has been retired for 12 years. Bob was an avid sports fan, and was dedicated to his teams from Pittsburgh, especially the Steelers. He enjoyed playing cards, reading, swimming, traveling, trips to the casino, and going to the movies. He was a fan of family reunions, big band music, especially Glenn Miller, ’50’s music, and diners. Bob often had a skip in his walk or a two-step dance. He was happy to put his family and others first. He was the type of man who would give you his last dollar. His family will remember him as a compassionate, thoughtful, generous family man, who had a naughty side and could be a jokester. He was married to the love of his life, Irma for 55 years, and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Bob, the eternal optimist, will be remembered for his friendly and funny personality that drew everyone to him. He was a role model and a hero to many. Bob passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 76 years, just shy of his 77th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Siegfried and Pauline, and many aunts and uncles. Bob is survived by wife Irma of Omaha; sons Jeff (Cindy) and Sean (Enita); daughters Cheryl (Chuck) Oakes, Michelle (Tim) Wertz, Kristin, Erin (Jim) Ellis; and 12 grandchildren. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather and loved by all. He had a way of making everyone feel special. Robert A. Larson, 12-12-35 – 10-18-12. Raised and loved by the Baierl family of Pittsburgh, PA. Survived by wife of 55 years, Irma of Omaha, sons Jeff (Cindy), Sean (Enita); daughters: Cheryl Oakes (Chuck), Michelle Wertz (Tim), Kristin, Erin Ellis (Jim) and 12 grandchildren. He opened his arms to many. Funeral service 11 AM Thursday, 10/25/12, Lutheran Church of the Master, 2617 S. 114th St. The family will receive friends Wednesday 10/24/12 from 5-8 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Donations in lieu of flowers to: CureSearch-National Childhood Cancer Foundation or the Omaha Public Library Foundation.

Robert Alfred Larson

December 12, 1935 - October 18, 2012