Donald Larsen

August 5, 1928 - September 24, 2018

Donald Larsen, age 90, of Oro Valley, Arizona formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Monday, September 24, 2018 in Oro Valley, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donald B. Larsen was born on August 5, 1928 in Sioux Rapids, the son of Earl and Edith (Carlberg) Larsen. Don was the youngest of three sons. He was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Sioux Rapids. Don was a member of Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church in Catalina, Arizona as well as Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake. Don graduated from Sioux Rapids High School in the class of 1946. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Buena Vista University in 1950 and a Master of Science Degree in theoretical mathematics from Notre Dame University in 1965. Additionally, Don attended the University of Kansas, and supplemented his studies at Drake University, Iowa State University, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Northern Iowa. In 1948, Don met Frankie F. Heikens, of rural Everly, on a blind date at the Cobblestone Inn in Storm Lake. They were married on July 30, 1950 at the Congregational Church in Sioux Rapids. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Steven and Bruce. The family spent its early years together in Linn Grove and Laurens before moving to Storm Lake in the summer of 1960. Don taught high school mathematics for 33 years, including four years at Linn Grove, six years at Laurens, and 23 years at Storm Lake High School, before assuming the position of Associate Professor of Mathematics at Buena Vista University in 1983. He taught mathematics and computer science at BVU until his retirement in 1993. Don's students were always the first priority in his professional life. He thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow in their knowledge of mathematics by building their confidence and challenging them to excel. A talented classroom instructor, Don was known and appreciated for his disciplined and methodical approach to education. Don volunteered his time by serving on the Storm Lake Airport Commission. He was a member of the Lions and Optimist Clubs. He also gave freely of his time to various church activities. Don took pleasure in many hobbies. His favorite pastimes included woodworking, fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards, coin collecting, genealogy, gardening, reading, photography, designing and making stained glass windows, and following his favorite college football and basketball teams. Donald loved traveling the world with Frankie, especially to Alaska, Canada, China, Europe and Hawaii. In retirement, the couple enjoyed spending winters at their Oro Valley, Arizona home. Don will be remembered as a caring husband and father whose family was at the center of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Steven Larsen of Tucson, Arizona and Bruce Larsen (John Mandelbaum) of Highland Park, Illinois, extended family and many friends. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie; his parents; and his brothers, Dale and Earl "Doc". The family suggests memorials to the Don and Frankie Larsen Endowed Scholarship Fund, Buena Vista University, c/o University Development and Alumni Engagement, 610 W. 4th St., Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. Online condolences may be sent to fratzkejensen.com/obituaries.