Marion was born in Fremont on June 17, 1936 to his parents, H. Clarence and Edna Mae (Sanderson) Larsen. Marion was the middle child and the only boy, growing up in Fremont and graduating from Fremont High in 1954.
Marion started out as a soda jerk at Petrow's Cafe', then worked at Phil's Drive Inn where he met "Rose Bud". Following graduation, he worked at the Fremont Country Club where he learned to cook and do ice carvings. He married Roselyn Adams on July 31, 1955. After working in the restaurant business for a few years, he worked for Hormel's for nearly 10 years. They bought Marion's Villa in 1969 and served the public there until 1992 before moving to their downtown location, The Rose Room. After selling their restaurant in 2004, Marion moved to part-time employment working for Shalimar Gardens then gave 10 years of service at Nye Court in the cafe'.
Marion enjoyed his Cushman scooters! He rode one during high school and, later in life, bought and restored two scooters, one of which was almost identical to the first one he owned. He also had a passion for old cars. He had great pride in owning his 1959 Ford, hard-top retractable.
Marion loved baking with his mother throughout his youth and continued to perfect his skills. He was well known for his amazing meringue pies. He also delighted in making candy during the Christmas season.
Woodworking was a fond hobby. He built beautiful replicas of old-time vehicles and toys for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In recent years he built bird houses that replicated buildings such as churches and cafes.
Marion was a humble Christian man who gave years of service to the Fellowship committee at the Fremont Methodist Church. He prepared meals for Thanksgiving and was a key player for the Methodist Pie Parlor making up to 75 pies for the weekend event.
People who loved him most will remember his compassion for the people he served and his love of animals and the attachment he had for his Miss Kitty.
Preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Jean Forst of Lincoln, Brother-in-law, Earl (Odge) Forst, Brother-in-law Gene Connelly.
Survivors: Wife, Roselyn Larsen; Daughter, Sherryl and husband Rodney of Omaha; Son, Michael and wife Sarah (Nasser) of Newport Beach, CA, 7 Grandchildren and their spouses; 3 great grandchildren; Sister, Karen Connelly of Olatha, KA; Sister-in-law, Janice Pascoe of Fremont; Brother-in-law, Kent Adams and wife Kathy of Fremont; Brother-in-law Eddie Adams; several nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to the Fremont First Methodist Church and the Love-Larson Opera House.
Visitation will be Saturday from 1pm to 5pm with the family present from 1pm to 3pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. The funeral will be 2pm Sunday, August 1, at the Fremont First United Methodist Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To watch a recording of the service please use the following link:
https://youtu.be/VxuvjMPSW4U
The service will be live streamed through the Fremont First United Methodist Church website.
https://fremontfirstumc.org/
Condolences(7)
Cathy Gumb Simon
Gothenburg, TX Thursday, August 5, 2021 Thinking of you during this difficult time and hoping that memories of Marion and the support of others will comfort you.Janice pascoe
Fremont, NE Monday, August 2, 2021 Marion you will be missed.You've been called home, as, your work has been completed here on this earth.
My deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Pooter
Janice
Karen (Larsen) Connelly
Olathe, KS Saturday, July 31, 2021 A favorite memory of my Brother:Marion bought my first bicycle for me at Christmas when I was 8 years old. This was the Christmas before he and Rosey were married. While Marion was still living at home we shared a bedroom - I always had the top bunk of the bunk beds of course. Marion was the kindest, gentlest person & I will always miss him. (Yes, I still have the Schwann-Wasp)
Lovingly, Your Sister Karen
Ruth Wedergren
, TX Saturday, July 31, 2021 Sending our love and prayers to Rosie, Sherryl, Michael and all the family. Bob fondly remembers Marion's strawberry-rhubarb pie, as well as his wonderful personality and faith in Christ.Love,
Bob, John, Jim and Ruth Wedergren
Dave and Kathy Jaspersen
Beattyville, KY Saturday, July 31, 2021 We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Marion was such a sweet man and Dave has many great memories of cooking with him at Marion's Villa and singing with him in the Pathfinders Chorus...fun times! We wish we could be there with you for the service but we will be with you in heart. May Jesus give you all the comfort and peace you need during this sad time. We love you all.Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Saturday, July 31, 2021 Sherryl,We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. What a special, talented man! We know you have so many memories to help you smile.
Sincerely,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Friday, July 30, 2021 Sherryl: Your father was a good guy. Marion's Villa was a Fremont mainstay. Homerooms with you and Brad Johannesen were hysterical. Hope you and Rod are doing well. Respectfully-Kup