Obituary of Lauren A Larsen

Lauren A. Larsen (aka Eagle and The Wizard), 82, passed away of complications due to Alzheimer's, Dec. 13, 2015 at home surrounded by his family (and his dog Missy). He was born in Redwood Falls, Minn., in 1933 to Eva White. Lauren graduated from Pine City High School and from the University of MN with a degree in civil engineering. He then served in the Navy's Construction Battalions. Lauren married his beloved wife Catharine (Knudtson) in 1958 and they made Duluth, their home. Lauren was known as a mentor and an encourager to his family, friends, colleagues, and many in the community. Lauren founded LHB Inc. in 1966, guiding its growth for over 35 years as CEO from a tiny structural engineering office to one of the region's largest full-service engineering and architectural firms. Lauren's signature projects include working on the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, the one-of-a-kind Copperpeak ski-flying facility, and the Duluth Waterfront. Lauren was a generous contributor to the Duluth community, serving on the boards of St. Mary's/Essentia Health, The Ordean Foundation, and Northern Communities Land Trust/One Roof Community Housing. He served on the Environmental Quality Board as an appointee of former Minnesota Governor Al Quie. Later in life he was deeply involved with the Northland Institute and its peer learning process, which he helped evangelize to economic development associations across the country. Lauren loved the outdoors, especially biking and cross-country skiing; he taught his family and many others how to cross-country ski long before it was popular. He was known for playing his guitar and singing at parties, often also playing the harmonica. He was a consummate gadget guy. Lauren is preceded in death by his infant daughter Karen; his parents, and his brother Gordon "Bud". He is survived by his wife Catharine; daughter Anne, and sons Eric (Amy) and Peter (Miki) as well as grandchildren Eric, Joe, Justin, Grace, and Luli. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2 p.m. Monday Dec. 21, in Hope United Methodist Church, 301 W. St. Marie St., Duluth, MN 55803 with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Fellowship will follow the service in Hope church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to One Roof Community Housing (http://www.1roofhousing.org; 218-727-5372; 12 E. 4th St. Duluth MN 55805).