Melvin Howard Larsen

Melvin Howard Larsen, 82, passed away Friday, Dec 9, 2022 at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah after a nine day battle surviving sepsis and DIC only to be taken later by further complications.
He was born May 26, 1940, to Howard Christian Larsen and Josephine Campbell in Brigham City, Utah. They lived on a ranch in Park Valley, Utah and then moved to Logan when he was three years old to start a dairy farm. His parents taught him the value of honest, hard work and to always look for ways to serve others.
He attended Ellis Elementary and fondly remembers all his teachers and classmates. He learned how to play the harmonica from his 5th grade teacher and used that talent to entertain others all of his life. He attended Logan Junior High School where he made more friends and enjoyed football, track, wrestling, journalism and photography. He delivered papers every day from the age of 11-17 while also helping milk 50 cows, gather eggs, feed all the farm animals and tend to the hay fields. He attended Logan High School and often talked about his fun times playing football with Quentin Cook as quarterback, Bruce Bishop, Merlin Olsen and Richard Harris. He was also involved in swimming, choir, poetry and the rifle team. He loved his Seminary classes before school each day and learned the importance of providing countless hours of service to single mother families, widows, and those who were sick or injured. He loved scouting and earned his Eagle Award at 17, became a Scout Leader at 18 and continued to work in the scouting program helping 44 boys complete their Eagle Projects. To earn money for his mission he worked construction during the day, as a fry cook at night, broke in and trained a race horse for his boss, and tested bucking broncos at $10 a head for the rodeos.
In 1961, Mel met his future wife, NaDene, at a 4th Stake Gold and Green Ball at Utah State University. After dating daily for six weeks he left on his mission to England. They were then sealed in the Logan Temple on June 26, 1964. They lived in Logan, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Washington Terrace (Ogden), Woods Cross (Bountiful) and then back to Logan. They have enjoyed raising and loving five children and have nine wonderful grandchildren who have brought much joy.
Mel loved the outdoors and shared that love with his family, taking them on hikes, campouts, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, skiing and snowmobiling.
Mel finished his Masters Degrees in Counseling and Career Guidance along with his Seminary and Institute Teaching Certification, and Certification to teach Psychology. Then Human Resource Management and Business Economics. He worked as a military police officer and counselor at Fort Leavenworth. He was a high school counselor and teacher at Bonneville High School. He was an Academic Advisor at U of U and the Coordinator and then Director of Veteran and Military Affairs. He was sent to Washington DC by Governor Bangerter to help develop a GI Bill for Vietnam Veterans. He later worked as an Academic Advisor at USU. He retired early to take care of his wife when she was diagnosed with cancer. He then earned his real estate license and sold houses part time. He spent the last several years of NaDene’s life almost constantly by her side.
Mel was always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in the Logan temple for many years. He is loved by all who know him and admire his great faith, positive spirit, and determination. He will be greatly missed!
He was preceded in death by his wife NaDene Hansen who passed in 2012.
He is survived by five children and their spouses, Sheri Ruth Larsen McCandless (Dru) of Garland, Larry Melvin Larsen of Logan, Stephen Alan Larsen (Cindy Meng) of Logan, Judy Ann Larsen Sweeten (Jesse) of Kaysville, and Bryce Lee Larsen (Jennifer Minharo) of Providence; brothers Victor Larsen (Marlene), Royce Larsen (Barbro), David Larsen (the late Maureen), and sister Rose Olson (the late Leon); and nine grandchildren, Ryan (Melissa) and Alena McCandless, Tyler (Rachel), Connor (Megan), Wesley and Clayton Larsen, Sarah (Cayden Thompson), Ashley and Taylor Sweeten. Mel was recently thrilled to hear his first great grandson would be born in the spring.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec 17, 2022 at the LDS Lundstrom Park 2nd Ward chapel, 1260 N. 1600 East in Logan. Viewings will be held at 6 to 8 p.m. Friday the 16th at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 North in Logan, and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Lundstrom Park church.
A special thanks to all his care givers this last year of his life at Cache Valley Assisted Living, Rocky Mountain Skilled Nursing, Logan Regional Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center; as well as to all those who have visited him.
Memories and condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .
Notice published in the Herald Journal December 13th and 15th, 2022.