Keith David Larson, 65, of 1478 Auble Lane, Muskegon, MI passed away Friday afternoon, October 2, 2009 unexpectedly at home of an apparent heart attack.

Keith was born April 14, 1944 in Escanaba the son of Gustav Yelmer and Ellen Victoria (Carlson) Larson. Keith was raised in Bark River and Wells and he was a 1962 graduate of the Escanaba High School. Following graduation, Keith received his Associate’s Degree from Bay De Noc College in Escanaba, and he continued his education at Michigan Tech University.

Keith served in the U.S. Navy and later in the U.S. Coast Guard until his retirement in October of 1994. His military career began at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and he was stationed in several locations including, Vallejo, CA, Arco, Idaho, Groton, Connecticut, Holyloch, Scotland, Honolulu, Hawaii, Honolulu Red Hill, New London Connecticut, Kure Island, Wilmington, N.C., Milwaukee, WI, Muskegon, MI and Italy.

Following his retirement in 1994, Keith enjoyed helping people with his handyman skills. He enjoyed doing good deeds for family and friends. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He treasured traveling with his wife of 42 years, Joan. Some of his favorite travels included Alaska, Nova Scotia, Canada, Australia, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Malta, Corsica, Crete, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Spain.

In addition to his wife Joan, survivors include:

Son; Carl (Karen Collie) Larson of Doylestown, PA

Daughter; Valarie (Matthew) Dalson of Gaylord, MI

Brother; Kermit (Ann) Larson of Carol’s Corner

Sister; June (Arlen) Johnson of Augusta, WI

2 grandchildren; Gabrielle Tyson and Kade Dalson

Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Clarice, Doris and Margaret, 3 brothers, Winston, Norman and Larry.

Keith’s family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 will follow at 7:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating the life of Keith David Larson will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Nathan Langager of the United Evangelical Covenant Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in memory of Keith may be directed to the Delta County Humane Society, U.S. Coast Guard Scholarship Fund or the Wounded Warriors Project. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.