William Edward Larsen, 95, of Bozeman, Montana passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. He was born August 21, 1928 in Hyannis, Nebraska to Ernest and Miriam (Cooper) Larsen. Bill grew up on a homestead cattle ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska and graduated from Bingham High School in 1946. He loved to share that he was valedictorian of his class, only later noting the class size of three. Remembering his childhood, he said that he loved the horses on the ranch, but “it is a hard way, and I like the tractors better.” Bill met his wife, Patricia Ann Achen, at a school dance while attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. They were married 65 years when she passed away at their home in Bozeman. In the early years of their marriage, they moved all over the country for Bill’s education and work which included serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service during the Korean War. While pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Delaware – Newark, Bill and Pat welcomed two children, daughter Susan Diane and son Ronald William. In 1968, Bill received his PhD in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois – Champaign and moved the family to Bozeman for Bill to become Department Head of Agricultural Engineering at Montana State University, where he worked until his retirement. Bill and Pat were passionate about traveling, exploring the rivers and mountains of Montana, and above all else, spending time with their children, grands, and great-grands. Many memories include picnics at Fairy Lake, floating on Hyalite Reservoir in a homemade kayak, and making ice cream on the back deck. Bill was an avid woodworker and quilter, creating masterpieces that his family will forever hold dear. He was often found lending a helping hand, whether supporting his grands at school functions or plowing the driveway for his neighbor. He was a beloved member and role model of the community. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his parents, Ernest and Miriam; sister, Eleanor; and brothers, Charles, John, and Roland. He is remembered and loved by his sister, Mary; daughter, Susan; son, Ronald (Priscilla); five grandchildren, Joseph, Erica (Phillip), Ben (Stephanie), Anna, and Stephanie; and nine great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Greyson, Kinsley, Theo, Logan, Landon, Weston, Molly, and Maxwell. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, August 19 at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman. Friends, family, and colleagues are welcome. Attire is casual. For more information on the service or to share messages with the family, please contact larsen1928memorial@gmail.com or 406-219-7393. Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
