William Dean "Billy" Larson's Obituary
William Dean “Billy” Larson, age 52, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2020 after battling a courageous fight against cancer. Billy was born January 1, 1968 in Muskegon to William John and Carolyn Ann (Dileski) Larson and was a lifelong resident. Billy married Karen Jean Gawron on September 14, 2002 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Norton Shores where he was an active member and served as an usher. He was currently employed as an Industrial Machine Repair Journeyman for Shape Corporation where he worked for 25 years. Billy was quite the outdoorsman who loved riding his Harley-Davidson, enjoyed his powerboat and hiking the trails at Ludington State Park with his family. He loved all kinds of automobiles, particularly square body Chevy trucks and had a passion for fixing up and restoring vintage trucks which started becoming a fulltime venture. Billy enjoyed driving his jeep in the dunes at Silver Lake. He was also active in the Michigan Flywheelers Museum Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show. Billy enjoyed downhill skiing with his family and was also a NASCAR fan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #706 and the Muskegon Eagles. Survivors include his loving wife, Karen J. Larson; 3 children, William James Dean “Jim” (Rachel) Larson, Veronica Margaret Larson, Jake Allen Larson; his father and mother, William “Bill” (Cindy) Larson and Carolyn Dileski; his mother-in-law, Margaret Gawron; 2 sisters, Sarah (Deshawn Sargent) Larson, Eve (Jeff) Pattyn; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Frank Gawron. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, March 2, 2020 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St.) with Rev. Charles D. Hall presiding. Visitation will be held 2-5 PM Sunday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444 where the Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation or Shape Corporation’s “Helping Hand Fund”. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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