Mr. Jerry Walter Larsen

Larsen, Jerry Walter (86) of Bellflower, California went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 31, 2019. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Saturday June 18, 1932 to Charles "Sandy" Alexander Larsen and Mary "Mazie" Beatrice Gerdes. He was the youngest of 8 children. When Jerry was 9 months old, Sandy and Mazie Larsen moved their family to Long Beach, California where jobs were more available. A few years later they moved to the countryside known as Somerset, which later took the name of Bellflower. Jerry attended St. John Bosco in Somerset (Bellflower) when it was an elementary school. After grade school, Jerry attended Excelsior High School where he graduated in 1950. Jerry attended the University of Arizona for 1 year but when he returned home for a break, he met Phyllis Anne Kramer at a church function. He went back to college for 1 semester, but his heart had been stolen by the love of his life so he returned to Somerset (Bellflower) to be with her. Within a year of his return from college he was drafted into the Army. Jerry and Phyllis were married just weeks before Jerry had to report to Fort Ord for basic training. He served his Army years at Fort Ord where he was a gunnery instructor during the Korean War. Soon Phyllis was expecting their first child, Scott Allen, who was born at the army hospital at San Pedro, CA. Jerry was discharged in August of 1954 and he returned to be with his wife in Bellflower where she was staying with Jerry's parents. Scott was soon followed by his siblings, Timothy Charles, Wesley Joseph and Teri Lynn. 10 years later they were joined by Kimberlee Marie. Jerry worked several jobs in the accounting field and eventually, went to work for his father's bookkeeping, accounting and tax practice. Jerry passed to California CPA exam and received his CPA license in 1961. A few years later he started his own CPA practice. Jerry met his friend and ultimately partner, David L. Gangloff, at a Marriage Encounter weekend they were both attending with their wives. In 1982, Jerry, David and Jerry's son, Scott, formed the CPA Practice of Larsen, Gangloff and Larsen. During his career, he served on the Board of Directors of many local businesses and non-profit organizations. Although he gave up his CPA license in 2014 at the age of 82, Jerry continued to be involved in many businesses he helped create. Jerry will always be remembered by his family and friends for his kind and generous spirit. He was never too busy to take time for others. He was a great listener and confidant. Jerry was preceded in death by his siblings, Patricia, Phyllis, Lucille, Raymond, Jack, Paul and Susan. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, and his children, Scott Allen Larsen (Monica), Timothy Charles Larsen (Gwen), Wesley Joseph Larsen (Xiomara), Teri Lynn Larsen and Kimberlee Marie Holliday (Guy). Combined there are 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren - all of whom will miss him very, very much. A viewing will take place at Bethel Grace Baptist Church 17909 Carpintero Ave., Bellflower CA 90706 on Monday, April 8, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. His Memorial Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow in the adjoining Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers. donations to Answers in Genesis PO Box 510 Hebron KY 41048-0510 are requested.

Mr. Jerry Walter Larsen

June 18, 1932 - March 31, 2019