It is a rare thing to find a person who can wear many hats and be masterful in all he does. To be strong yet gentle, adventurous and safe, accepting with strong convictions…Jerry was all of these things. He lived life with continuous effort to cultivate beauty, happiness and laughter: he made us believe that gardens could grow quarters and that insects could talk, sang us original songs for any and every occasion, convinced us that motor oil and instant coffee are a perfect pairing for cologne, and never let us leave without telling us how loved we are. He brought magic to the world. It is impossible to view the wonderland he created and not be grateful to be a part of it. Gerald Ervin Larsen found an eternal wonderland in the early hours of January 7, 2024. As snow quietly blanketed the world outside, we savored precious moments with our family's patriarch until he departed to begin a new adventure. We will miss you every moment, but know you are near guiding us to build our own beautiful life, just as you did.

Jerry was born to Geraldine and Kenneth Larsen on January 25th, 1940 in Van Nuys, California. The Larsen family had humble beginnings in the years following the depression, but he only talked of rich memories. Being one of the older siblings in his family, Jerry learned responsibility at a young age: his mother ("Mousey" as he affectionately called her due to her small stature) was often too sick to get out of bed. He learned to care for his siblings and the household, and absorbed as much knowledge as he could from his parents about gardening, fishing, and cooking. Along with being a caring son and brother, Jerry had a fun-loving rambunctious side (picture Grease, but with less singing.) As a teenager he and older brother Lauren joined a car club and often regaled stories of the rival car clubs, competing for girls, and of course dancing to rock and roll. He even carried a comb in his pocket to keep his hair looking "slick," a habit he continued throughout his lifetime.

Jerry's rambunctious flare for life continued into young adulthood where he joined a motorcycle gang and trolled the streets "scouting for babes!" This bad boy got lucky when one day he came across a beautiful, blonde haired young woman washing a car in a bikini. (Yes, this story has been confirmed by Bonnie.) A true fisherman at heart, Jerry's greatest catch was Bonnie who he wed after one year of courtship. The honeymoon didn't last long, as they began to grow their family only one year later. The young Larsen's had three daughters: Juliana, Laura and Terra. there is no doubt, These girls were his princesses! He would happily sit as they styled his hair and dressed him in costume jewelry and crowns. In stark contrast to these glamour moments, Jerry worked as a car mechanic to support his family. He came home daily with calluses and car grease under his fingernails. His hands told a story of hard work and dedication to his craft. His job wasn't glamorous, but it allowed him to provide for his family and go home every night to be with them. Jerry endeavored daily to be a worthy and loving family man that his wife and daughters could depend upon. A task, dare say, he was successful at. He relished the moments shared with all of "his girls" as much as they did with him.

In time Jerry became the obsession of many grandchildren who all adored him as much as his daughters did. The times shared with grandpa are impossible to remember without smiling, laughing, or putting a palm to your forehead and saying "Oh, grandpa!"
When we went fishing with grandpa it wasn't "fishing", it was "catching lunkers." He would often chide, "monkey see monkey do!" but this rule did not apply to him when teaching many of us to drive, saying that the sidewalk was free-game if there was nobody on it. He taught some of us to fix cars, and others to use power tools (even if that power tool was a dremmel to trim his thick toe nails…it still counts!) He loved playing card games with his adult kids and grandchildren, and would even let the little one's sit on his lap and "help" him. He introduced us to Charlie the Worm and Eddie the Bug, and convinced us that quarters appeared in the yard for every weed we helped him to pull. His hugs were all consuming, and it wasn't possible to leave without getting your face tickled by his whiskery kisses. If you were lucky enough to wake up before the sun, you got to walk through the yard with grandpa and listen to him sing to his flowers. The smell of crisp morning air and the feel of fresh dewy grass on our toes will forever take us back to those special moments.

Jerry had a faith in God that was built over a lifetime. He allowed the challenges of life as well as the beauty of his family and other faith building moments to forge a testimony that he was proud to share. He would often remind those he loved, "remember who you are," but never as a chide or warning, only to remember their goodness of heart. Jerry and Bonnie together cultivated a home where loved ones can return for support and comfort regardless of circumstance. There is never a shortage of love in the Larsen home.

Finding our way through this life without the booming laughter of our patriarch feels much like falling through a looking glass with no clear path of what lies ahead. If we are to learn from Jerry, it's that adventure is found when we forge our own path and cultivate a life worth living. He created a family, a life, a Wonderland worth living, and now it's our turn to take his lessons and build our own.

"In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams…that is where you and I shall meet."
-Alice Through the Looking Glass

To honor the vibrant personality that was Jerry, please wear color(s) to his services.

Viewing:  Friday, January 19, 2024 at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main Street, Lehi, Utah from 6-8:00 PM

Saturday, January 20, 2024
LDS Church Building, 1953 Lone Tree Parkway, Eagle Mt. UT 84005
Viewing (11:00am-12:30pm)
Service (1:00pm)
Celebration of Life to follow with a meal, toasts, laughter, happy tears, and love.