Rodger "Rog" Charles Larson, 83, of Eau Claire, went to his Heavenly home on November 6, 2017, after suffering a stroke. He was surrounded by his wife and two children at Dove Health Care-West. Rodger was born to Adele (Schroeder) and Sammie Larson at Luther Hospital on July 19, 1934. He had one brother; his best friend, Greg. In his younger days, he and his brother, Greg, would fish the shores of Tainter Lake near Colfax, WI, where his parents had a cottage. He often recalled how he and his brother could hardly wait for the weekend. With their parents and dog Rusty, they would head to the lake. Rodger also had a paper route at a young age. He attended the Ninth Ward School on the city's west side, and in 1952, he graduated from Eau Claire High School. Rodger started working at Johnson Printing right after graduation and enlisted in the US. Army in 1956. He took his boot camp training at Fort Hood, Texas, and served the remainder of his two-year enlistment at Schofield Barracks Quartermaster Co. in Honolulu, Hawaii. Rodger returned home in 1958, and resumed working at Johnson Printing. Shortly after his return from the service, his friends encouraged him to go on a blind date that they had arranged. Lo and behold, he met the farmer's daughter, Cherry; who hailed from the small farming community of Strum, WI. She was attending Eau Claire State Teacher's College at that time. Cherisma (Cherry) Myhers and Rodger Charles Larson were united in marriage on June 30, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum, by Pastor Harvey Berg. To this union their children, Beth and Mark were born. Rog and Cherry celebrated their 56th anniversary this past June. The first years of their marriage in Eau Claire were spent in the new home they built on Drury Avenue where they raised their children, worked their jobs, and spent time at Rog's parent's cottage. Rodger was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Currently a member at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, he has served as Sunday School Treasurer, an usher and as a greeter for 60+ years. Rog loved deer hunting with his brother, Greg, his son, Mark, his dad, Sam, and his friends, Barney and Budd for many years in Fairchild. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. High on his list of things he enjoyed the most were apple pie, Ford trucks, feeding the birds, and watching the sunsets on Tainter Lake. More than anything in the world, he loved his wife Cherry, Beth, Mark, his brother Greg, and his grandchildren. Rodger retired from Johnson Lithographics in 1993, after serving 41 faithful years. He left a great legacy behind being a conscientious, dedicated, honest worker. During those retirement years, Rog and Cherry had numerous enjoyable bus tour adventures throughout the United States, including their dream trip to Hawaii. Their adventures were many. Rog's greatest accomplishment was having his son-in-law, Mike build their retirement home on Tainter Lake in 1994. It was there that he experienced his greatest joy of sitting by the bonfire with his neighbors, cruising on the pontoon with Cherry, fishing for Walleyes, and entertaining friends and neighbors. As time went on, Rog often said in his later years, "There are way too many spark-plugs that I need to replace all the time up here…too much work," as work never ended at the lake. In 2011, Rog and Cherry moved back to Eau Claire and bought a condo where he was residing at the time of his death. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Adele, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Cherisma; his daughter, Beth (Mike) Peterson; son, Mark (Becky) Larson; his grandchildren, Chester (special friend, Ashley Steinke) Peterson, Chloé Peterson, Abigail (Alex) Bawden, Nick Larson, Molly Larson and a special grand pup, Tucker. The family extends its deepest appreciation to Mayo Health System Hospice and Fifth floor Neurology, Dr. Young and to Dr. Deming from Palliative Care. Very special recognition goes to Dr. Steve Rogers, his internist for 20 some years. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2017, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Visitation will be from 9:30 until the time of service. Pastor Josh Toufar will officiate. Military graveside services will be held immediately following the service in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Eau Claire County Humane Association, or Mayo Clinic Home Health and Hospice.

Service Information

Visitation

Friday, November 10 2017 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1120 Cedar Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Friday, November 10 2017 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1120 Cedar Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Graveside Service

Friday, November 10 2017 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Dr. Eau Claire WI 54703