Ralph A. "Swede" Larson

Herrin- RALPH A. SWEDE LARSON, age 94, of Herrin, passed away at 5:20pm on Monday, May 21, 2007 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Ralph was born in Chicago on August 31, 1912 the son of Ernst and Alice (Larson) Larson. He married Hester Fulton in Chicago on October 15, 1933. She preceded him in death on May 31, 2003. Mr. Larson was of Lutheran faith. He was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion. Ralph retired from the Southern Illinois University Maintenance Department. Survivors include three sons and daughters in law- Ronald F. and Joyce Larson of Hurst, IL; Bruce A. and Rose Larson of LaMirada, CA; Glen O. and Lana Larson of Carterville, IL; one daughter- Judy E. Turner of Herrin, IL; 24 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife- Hester; one son- Wayne D. Larson; two brothers- Art and Melvin Larson; three sisters- Vera Lynch, Eleanor Magruder; and Edith Tucker. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. The Rev. Terry Griffith will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Murphysboro. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations may be made to Shawnee Christian Nursing Home and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com