Roger James Larson
Roger James Larson
Roger James Larson, age 65 of Baraboo passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 with his wife by his side. Roger, son of Kenneth and Marie (Wagner) Larson was born Jan. 11, 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa. On June 8, 1985 he was united in marriage to Jeanette R. Mattke in Baraboo. He was employed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Zoology Department for over 35 years. Throughout his time there he touched many students and professors hearts. In his free time he loved the peaceful quietness fishing brought. During the holiday season, he enjoyed being Santa Clause for many families and facilities in the Baraboo area. Many children loved him as the "real" Santa.He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette; children, Aaron (Tammy), Matthew (Cindy), Amanda, Lexi and Shane (Heather) Larson; 14 grandchildren; siblings, David (Vivian), Gary (Gail), Neil (Marie) and Sharon Larson as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Kenneth Larson and Janeen Larson.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Redlin Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Roger requested memorials be made to the Zoology Dept. of UW-Madison.A Note from UW Zoology Dept: For anyone who is just interested in donating in general to our department, those gifts can be submitted to the Zoology Department Fund.
People can pay online at:
Or mail a check made out to the "UW-Foundation" to the following address:
UW Foundation
U.S. Bank Lockbox 78236
Milwaukee, WI 53278-0236
For any gift, it is helpful if the donor specifies if they are making this gift "in memory" or "in honor" of a person.
If any check donations are submitted to our department by mail, we have a mechanism to get those deposited with the UW-Foundation as well.
Today we lost Roger Larson to pancreatic cancer. He was a great and wonderful man who made everybody he came in contact with feel happy. He loved to fish and he loved being Santa Clause. I hope he is in heaven catching endless amounts of walleye in his Santa suit. He will be greatly missed not only by the friends and family members he leaves behind but by the children of Baraboo who he made happy during the holiday season.