Melvin (Mel) Larson was born April 2nd, 1937 in San Jose, California to Carl Edward and Emma Francis Larson. Carl built ladders and Emma was a school teacher. They had Mel and his brother David.
Melvin was married and had three children. Steven passed in 1958 as an infant. David had a heart transplant and died in October of 2013 (history of heart problems). Mel’s daughter Joell Mallo is married and lives in San Clara, California. Mel joined the Army National Guard in 1955 for 2 years. He served 3 years while stationed in Berlin, Germany, and discharged as Supply Specialist 4th Class in June of 1961. While still serving in the Army Reserve for 2 more years, he held many jobs from sweeping a hardware store floor to tending cigarette vending machines. Then he went to school to be a Stationary Engineer and Licensed Boiler Fireman.
Mel married Tish Garcia on June 15, 1989. Retired in 2001 and moved to Gardnerville, Nevada. He then was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2003 and moved to Alliance, Nebraska to finish recovery. Mel had open heart surgery and, in 2003, got a pig valve in Rapid City, S.D.
He enjoyed being a member of the Kiwanis, and had gone to many rendezvous as a member of the Eagle Valley Smoke Polers while living in Nevada. He went with Tish to garage sales in San Clara, California, where he bought antlers to make handles for hunting knives that he made as a hobby.
He was able to make new friends easily. He endeared himself to Tish’s family with his brand of humor and story telling ability. Also he has been the caretaker for Tish for many years until August 17, 2022. He had fallen and suffered multiple brain bleeds and was moved to Chimney Rock Villa nursing home in Bayard, Nebraska, where he passed on September 4, 2023 to unite with his Lord Jesus Christ. He is survived by his daughter, Joell, Brother David and step children, Delfina, Adrienne, Jay, Rocky, and John. Cremation has taken place. No services scheduled at this time.
Ortencia (Tish) Larson passed away May 28th, 2023. She was one of eleven children of Isabel (Pete) and Elvira Garcia. Besides her parents, her sisters Alejandrina, Matilde, Lillian, Elijah and brothers John, and Manuelito preceded her in death. Tish was born in Alliance, Nebraska on March 11, 1940 and moved to California after graduation from St. Agnes.
No matter where she was, Tish was the life of the party and always laughing and smiling. She could entertain you with scary stories or stories of her childhood. Her dogs would keep her entertained and had one named Beau and referred to as a baby bison! She was a mother of five children. She held many jobs in the computer business; sometimes 3 at a time. She always supported her children and always attended to their needs. She enjoyed her many grandchildren and always entertained them with stories and loved to listen to them laugh.
Tish married Melvin (Mel) Larson on June 15, 1989. She returned to Nebraska in 2003 and was a member of Holy Rosary. Here she was among many relatives and familiar friends. Tish would visit them and have them over to enjoy memories and make new ones. Both Mel and Tish began to have health issues and that cut down traveling and visiting.
After enduring several heart problems, she passed away in Hemingford Nursing Home. Tish is survived by her children, Delfina, Adrienne, Jay, Cesar (Rocky) and John Hernandez and her brothers, Boddy, Vic and Henry Garcia, and one sister, Barbara Tolstedt. Tish was a wonderful daughter, sister, Mother, cousin and friend. She will be missed. No memorial services scheduled at this time. Cremation has taken place.