Michael J. Larson Jr.
Michael Joseph Larson Jr. of Chicago, Illinois, born to Michael Joseph Larson Sr and Kendall Sinclair (Boeder) March 15, 1982, in Fond du Lac, WI. Known to his wife as Jos, to his uncles as Remy, and to many as Mikey Jo died unexpectedly January 4th, 2021, at the age of 38. Championship coach, teacher, leader, war hero, ferocious competitor, master of nicknames, husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and best friend. Mike was all these things and so much more to many.
He is survived by his wife, Charity Larson (Chee-Dog); mother, Kendall Sinclair (Boeder); sister, Ashley E. Larson; and brother, Corey MC Larson; grandparents, Kenneth and Bonnie Boeder; niece, Harper (Harps Dog); nephew Jason (LJ); In-laws (Hoskins Family); best friends, Scott Hamsik and Troy McAllister; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; And his beloved rescue dog Stella. Preceded in death by his father Michael J. Larson Sr; Paternal grandparents Donald & Margie Larson; Maternal grandmother Patricia Dempsey.
Mike began his football career as stand out for Mascoutah Community High School. Mike went on to play Division 1AA football at Illinois State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science. Mike became a commissioned officer earning rank of 1st Lieutenant spending a tour in Iraq as a tank commander. He went on to earn two Master’s Degrees pursuing a career in education becoming a History teacher moving into his role as a Physical Education teacher at Wendell Phillips Academy. Mike’s proudest role was as Defensive Coordinator for Wendell Phillips Wildcats leading his team to two state championships making history as Chicago’s first public school to hold a state title in football. He was a role model to many students and athletes impacting countless lives on and off the field. Mike truly was larger than life becoming a pillar of every community he was a part of. Mike’s physical strength and presence was only surpassed by his passionate desire to overcome any and all obstacles in his path, his legacy lives on through all the lives he touched.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2021, from 3-5 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A funeral service will follow the visitation at the funeral home at 5:00 PM. A celebration of Mike’s life will follow the service at The Press Box, 251 Forest Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Burial will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at 12 noon at Rienzi Cemetery, N6101 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI, 54937.
Any Memorial Donations can be made to: Michael Larson Memorial Fund for CTE Research https://concussionfoundation.org/michael-larson-memorial-fund