Richard Neal Larsen passed away March 23, after a brief illness of heart failure.
Neal was born on September 25, 1935, in Hinkley, Utah to Jack and Oleta (Stewart) Larsen.
He married Janice Nielson on September 8, 1956, later they were sealed in the Manti Temple. They were parents to two children, fostered 17 children, and welcomed many students from Stewart Indian School into their home. Janice passed in 1984.
Neal and Marta Cunningham were married in the Oakland Temple on April 11, 1987, adding three more children to his family. He lived in Carson City from 1957 until 1987, and in Dayton for the past 37 years.
Neal served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including Branch President of the Stewart Indian Colony Branch, the LDS program for Nevada State Prisons, counselor in bishoprics and the High Council, and many callings with youth. He and Marta completed two senior missions and served 10 years working in the Reno Temple. He lived his life “in the service of his fellow beings”.
He worked as a skilled carpenter, belonging to the Carpenters Union for 67 years, building countless homes in Nevada, California, and Hawaii.
Neal is survived by his wife Marta, of Dayton, children Ginger (Paul deceased) Iverson, Scott (Tahna) Larsen, Kenny Larsen, Audrey (Neal) Bonrud, Shannon (Steve) Ritland, and Darlene (Rick) Barnet, 13 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.
Service will be Saturday, April 20 at 11:00 am, at the Dayton LDS Chapel, 304 Driftwood, Dayton.