Bruce Larsen

He was born on Feb. 3, 1955, in Norway, the son of the late Bruce and Marianne (Carlson) Larsen.

Tony grew up in Norway and graduated from Norway High School class of 1973. He was known for being an excellent athlete in many different sports, but especially as a running back for the Norway Knights football team where he earned the team MVP. He went on to play college football for Hibbing Community College in Hibbing, Minn.

After his college time ended, he returned to Norway and became employed at the Niagara Paper Mill for 30 years. He met the love of his life, Mary Lou Hinds, and they soon married in 1983. He stayed at Mary Lou’s side while she battled her own sickness until her passing on May 14, 2018.

They had two sons, Matt and Mike. Tony was very involved in coaching their son’s Little League Baseball team (VFW) and eventually watching them grow up to play the many sports he also loved. Tony enjoyed being with his dogs throughout the years especially Whiskey, King, Smokey, and Sasha. Tony enjoyed old classic muscle cars (especially the 1969 Plymouth RoadRunner), working on many projects, fishing, hunting, and the Green Bay Packers.

Tony was known as “Poey” (Papa Tony) to his four grandchildren, Isaac, Elliot, Ellery, and Ashton. He loved spending time with them going to Monster Truck Shows, watching their sporting events, birthday parties, and holidays. He had a kind and gentle spirit and will be missed by many family and friends.

He is survived by his two sons, Matthew Larsen of Grand Rapids and Michael (Michelle) Larsen of Sparta, Wis.; grandchildren, Isaac, Elliot, Ellery, and Ashton; brothers, Dale (Bonnie) Larsen of Arizona and Larry (Nancy) Larsen of Norway; sisters Cindy, (Larry) Butsic of Kingsford, Paula (Jim) Ebli of Kingsford and Patti (Mike) Olson of Merriman; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends Joe Gardipee and Richard Gedvick.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Larsen; mother, Marianne Mattson; father, Bruce Larsen; step-father, LeRoy Mattson; brother, David Larsen; grandparents, Clarence and Leona Carlson; aunt, JoAnne (Ken) Rohde of Norway.

Family will greet friends on Saturday, March 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Grace Methodist Church in Norway. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Walter Reichle, officiating.

Condolences to the family of Tony may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.