Robert L. Larsen

Robert Louis “Bob” Larsen, 88, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born October 5, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of ten children of Louis Alben Larsen and Rose Catherine (Pankau) Larsen.

Bob was first married to Mary Lou Dillon, and together they had two sons, Shawn and Mike. On October 11, 1979, in Marshall, Missouri, he married Mary Ellen Gerlt. They shared 46 loving years together.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a mechanic, retiring in 1975. Following his military service, he worked as a machinist at Gardner-Denver for 21 years before retiring in 2000.

A man of faith, Bob was a longtime member of Smithton Baptist Church and later attended First Baptist Church. He was known for his lighthearted nature, quick wit, and ever-present sense of humor. Bob never missed an opportunity to share a good dad joke and was deeply devoted to his family. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and VFW.

In his younger years, Bob raised cattle and enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life, including coin collecting, fishing, hunting, and playing cards. He especially loved games like poker, pinochle, pitch, hearts, blackjack, and solitaire. He also enjoyed relaxing at home watching classic Westerns on television.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; four children, Shawn L. Larsen (Deb) of Morris, Minnesota, Michael A. Larsen (Mary) of St. Peters, Missouri, Rachel E. Hammers (Mike) of Sedalia, and Amber L. Watterson (Brad) of Sedalia; nine grandchildren, Joel Larsen (Chelsie), Tyler Moser (Anna), Rebekah Larsen, Jenna Larsen (Trey), Courtney Still (Zach), Joshua Larsen (Jordanna), Natalie Hague (Eric), Maribeth Hammers (Matt), and Kamron Gilmore; five great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Jack, Olive, Josie, and Charlie; and eight siblings, Louis, Barbara, Anthony, Rose, Jean, Helen, Edward, and Cecelia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Jerry Robert and Cory Michael; and one brother, Charles.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Mike Larsen, Shawn Larsen, Mike Hammers, Kamron Gilmore, Joel Larsen, and Tyler Moser. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Watterson, Lloyd Arvin, Natalie Hague, Maribeth Hammers, Courtney Still, Jenna Larsen, and Rebekah Larsen.

Burial with military honors will be in Highland Sacred Gardens.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heckart Funeral Home.