Wayne John Larson

Wayne was born August 5, 1940 in Marinette, Wisconsin to John ‘Jack’ and Helen (Faber) Larson and was raised in Negaunee. He was a proud graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1959. Following graduation, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1989 after 29 years of service. During his time with the US Navy, Wayne served as a Senior Chief. His greatest joy was serving on 14 different aircraft carriers throughout his military career. After being honorably discharged, Wayne continued his career with Boeing where he worked as an inspector for 12 years. He retired from Boeing in Washington State, moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin then moved back to his roots in Negaunee.

Wayne was a proud member of the Negaunee Eagles and served multiple offices. He later became State President for the Eagles in 2017-2018 in which he took great pride in. The highlight of his retirement was going on the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight with his guardian, Audra Wyenoff for the flight who he connected to as a fellow Navy Veteran. He also loved his dogs. Above all, Wayne was a hardworking man that loved his country and was proud to call Michigan’s Upper Peninsula his home.

He is survived by his son, Kevin Larson of Oklahoma; one sister: Deborah (Kenneth) Eckloff of Ishpeming; one brother: Glenn (Suzy) Larson of Green Bay; special friends: Mike (Julie) Ludlum, Don (Peggy) Steckman, Sherry Morrison, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Jackie and Peter; and one sister: Karen Bradley who passed away in 2020.

The family wants to thank the staff at Eastwood Nursing Center for the compassionate care provided to Wayne in these last four months.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at St. Paul Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM with Rev. Emmanuel Barwuah officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the US Navy Honor Guard Team prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday. Burial will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery in the spring. A small luncheon will follow at the Eastwood Lutheran Church in Negaunee, 121 Sunset Dr, Negaunee, MI 49866. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any veteran memorial in Wayne’s memory.

Mr. Larson’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com