Robert "Bob" D. Larsen

Robert Daniel Bob Larsen, 58, passed away peacefully at his home in Rochester on April 27, 2016.He was born June 11, 1957 to Lawrence and Arlene (Petersen) Larsen at Saint Marys Hospital.Diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome, Bob was raised on the family farm in rural Mantorville, where he thrived through the loving care of his family.As a youngster Bob attended the Olmsted Day Activity Center at Assisi Heights.Later he attended classes at Hillside School in Rochester, and then at Horace Mann Developmental Learning Center where he completed his education in 1980.Bob continued to live and work on the family farm where he helped care for the dairy cattle.He loved all creatures, great and small, and would share his lunch with his dog or cats.Since 2006 Bob has lived at REM Oxford House in Rochester, and has worked at Ability Building Center. Bob enjoyed all sports and won many award medals though Special Olympics, Community Ed and RADAR.He loved to go bowling, swimming, and playing ball.Each summer Bob looked forward to spending a week at camp.He also loved music, singing and dancing, holidays, and birthday parties.Bob was a friend to everyone who met him.He was a former member of the Zumbro Valley Grange in Byron.He attended the Byron United Methodist Church and currently the Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester. Bob is survived by siblings, Larry (Ramona Purnell) of Goodhue, Anita Nelsen of Byron, Barbara (Edward) Kuhlman of Northfield, Paul of Wasioja, David of rural Mantorville, Janis (Dave) Brooks of Byron, Jary of San Francisco and John (Robin) of rural Mantorville.Survivors also include nieces and nephews, Brian Nelsen, Dianna Squires, Michelle Nelsen, Nathan, Aaron and Peter Kuhlman, Sarah Ptacek, Billie Jo Rostvold, Bobbie Jo Larsen,Abbie Jo Larsen and John Larsen, Jr.; seven great nieces and nephews; aunts, Gail Berge and Amanda Larsen; many cousins and extended family and friends.He is also survived by his housemates, Fred, Steve and Tom and his REM Oxford House caregivers. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Peter J. Larsen; brother-in-law, Vernon Nelsen; sister-in-law, Jane Larsen; grandparents, Alfred and Ella (Jensen) Larsen and Floyd and Bernice (Brandli) Petersen; a niece; two great nieces and life time friend, Bob "Frosty" Frost. The family is grateful to all who guided and enriched Bobs life over the years, and to those who cared for him in times of need.He touched countless lives through his kind and caring ways and brought immense joy to the world around him.A special life, well lived.Miss you Bob. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.Visitation and a time of sharing memories will be on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Memorials can be directed to the ARC, Seasons Hospice, Camp Winnebago or the donors choice. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600