Thomas C. Larson

Thomas C. Larson, known to friends and family as Tom, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2023, in La Porte, Indiana, just shy of his 93rd birthday. Born on April 25, 1930, to Raymond and Mary (Culver) Larson, Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his community.
 
Tom's devotion to his family was evident in his 70-year marriage to the love of his life, Jean L. Lenick, whom he married on June 14, 1952, at the La Porte United Methodist Church. Jean preceded him in death on January 11, 2022. Tom is survived by his three sons, Tom (Becky) Larson and Tim (Donna) Larson, both of La Porte, Indiana, and Terry (Jayne) Larson of Valparaiso, Indiana. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, Matt (Maggie) Larson, Greg (Kylie) Larson, Brian (Jen) Larson, Mary (Mario) Perez, Megan (Justin) Heinold, Nick (Susannah) Larson, Kate (Jeff) Jensen, and Anna Larson, and a doting great-grandfather to sixteen great-grandchildren, Helen, Jack H., Adeline, Charlie, Molly, Aubrey, Will, Ellie, Ben, Ray, Amelia, Cole, Jack J., Neil, Claire, and Sawyer. Tom is also survived by his brother Dan and was preceded in death by his brother Ken.
 
A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Tom was a member of the ROTC and the Triangle Fraternity. He served two years in the Army during the Korean War. Stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA, and then Beale Air Force Base in CA, he served as a First Lieutenant in charge of Topographical Detachment. Upon returning to La Porte with Jean, Tom began his career at Larson-Danielson Construction Company as the third generation of Larsons. He served as Secretary-Treasurer before becoming President of the firm and he remained on the Board of Directors until recently. His dedication and hard work helped grow the company, which now includes fourth and fifth-generation Larsons—two sons, two grandsons, and a grandson-in-law.
 
Tom was very involved in the construction industry at both the local, state and national levels. He served as a Director for the Laborers Training Trust Fund, President of the Associated General Contractors of Indiana as well as a National Director of the Associated General Contractors of America. He was awarded the S.I.R. award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Indiana and was the first Indiana recipient as an AGC Lifetime Board Member.
 
Throughout his life, Tom was also deeply involved in his community. A leader in the La Porte Methodist Church, he also served as Chairman of the Board of La Porte Hospital, as well as on the Boards of the La Porte Bank & Trust, Civic Auditorium, Ruth Sabin Home, La Porte Jaycees, and Pine Lake Cemetery. He was also a Past President of the La Porte YMCA Board of Directors.
 
Tom's intelligence and generosity touched the lives of many throughout his time on this earth. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his work. His memory will live on through the countless lives he impacted, and the legacy he leaves behind in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
 
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2023, at the La Porte First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana 46350. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Evan Lash will officiate. Private burial will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery.
 
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, Indiana.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte First United Methodist Church or the La Porte County Family YMCA.
 
Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.
 
Rest in peace, Tom. Your life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and dedication.
 
 
 

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