Robert Dale Larsen, 73, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, April 10, 2016 at the University Missouri Hospital & Clinics in Columbia.

The son of James Lester and Edna Mae (Glen) Larsen, he was born March 23, 1943 in Kankakee, Illinois. On September 16, 1961 in Chebanse, Illinois, Robert was united in marriage to Rita Lou Morrical.

Robert is survived by his wife Rita of fifty-four years; one son, Dan Larsen of Kirksville, MO; two daughters and a son-in-law, Tammy VanGilder of Chebanse, IL and Linda and Jim Findling of Kirksville, MO; three sisters, Shirley Wetmore and Vernis Albert both of FL and Joan Hubert of Bradley, IL; twelve grandchildren, Robert Daniel Larsen, Jennifer Croch, Dylan Heil, Veronica Eitel, Kyle Dyer, Ryan Larsen, Lukus House, Brandi House, Victoria Larsen, Virginia Findling, Andrew Findling, and J.R. Findling, as well as nineteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Lorita Larsen, and one brother Willard Larsen.

Robert worked as production engineer for Alliant Tech Corporation where he was instrumental in building the Apache Helicopter 50 millimeter cannon until retiring in 2001. In 2001, Robert moved to Kirksville, Missouri to make his home and was employed the past thirteen years for Auto Zone.

Robert's hobbies included building hot rods, working on and riding motorcycles and watching Nascar.

It was Robert's wish to be cremated and a memorial service officiated by Pastor Jeff Dodson will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016 in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rita Larsen. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.