Gerald Larsen

Gerald K. Larsen, 47, died Feb. 4, 2013, at his home in Ferndale, Mich., after an extended battle with melanoma cancer.

He was born Feb. 19, 1965, in Gettysburg, S.D., to Otto and Rayna Larsen. He met and married his wife Sharon in June 1985 while at the University of Michigan.

His education was put on hold when he joined the Marine Corps, where he graduated No. 1 in his class. He also did a stint in the Navy ROTC. He completed a bachelor’s in 1991 and pursued a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence at Wayne State University.

Gerald is survived by his wife Sharon Larsen and sons Robert Larsen and Joshua Larsen, all of Michigan; daughter Amber Larsen, of Columbia Falls; his mother Rayna, brother Matthew and niece Samantha, all of Columbia Falls; and numerous relatives and friends.

A funeral service took place Feb. 8, 2013, at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home in Royal Oak, Mich.

Graveside services with military honors took place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls on Feb. 15, 2013, with the Rev. Debbi Wacker officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 759329, Baltimore, MD 21275-9329.