----Source: The Thorp Courier March 6, 2002

Lt. Col. Thomas Larson

Lt. Col. Thomas P. Larson, 70, USAF (ret) ascended into God’s heavenly kingdom on Monday, February 25, 2002.

He was born to Lief and Anna (Zinsli) Larson on April 4, 1931, in Thorp, Wisconsin. He graduated from Thorp High School. He also attended the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse and the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire.

Shortly there after Thomas joined the United States Air Force for 22 years and was a highly decorated officer. He flew the F-106 in the Paris Air Show, competed twice in the William Tell contest, served during the Korean War.

He flew 100 missions over North Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. He also served a second tour of duty in Vietnam. Tom was awarded with many honors during his service including the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters and The Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters. After retiring in San Antonio, Texas, he attended Southwest Texas State University where he earned a Master of Science in Health Management Administration. After college he worked in the allied health field and then went to work for the Alamo Community College District, where he served as a liaison between the College District and the area military bases. He spent his retirement actively volunteering with the Salvation Army and Boysville, working with the church council and teaching Sunday school. Golfing was also a passion he enjoyed with his many friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years Ann (Warner) Larson; also three daughters and a son and their families; Lynn and Doug Barron of Pearland, TX, Kathy and Tom Cucolo of San Antonio, TX, Jennifer Larson and Lief Larson, both of San Antonio, TX; and five granddaughters: Beth and Rebecca Barron and Allison, Ann and Clara Cucolo. He also leaves three sisters and one brother and their families: Elaine Below of Scottsdale, AZ, Kathleen and Chris Christle of Naples, FL., Ann Lief and George Riesz of Las Vegas, NV, and Peter and Bonnie Larson of Thorp, WI. He will also be fondly remembered by his many friends.

Services were held at House of Prayer Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 2, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to House of Prayer Lutheran Church, the Cancer Therapy and Treatment Center of San Antonio, TX, or the Salvation Army would be appreciated.