Howard “Howie” Larsen
Born: July 20, 1933, at rest February 2, 2026
Loving father of Thomas (Julie) and Mary Jo Kerber, grandfather of Erik (Samantha) Gilly and Mackenzie Kerber, great-grandfather of Liam Gilly and Luke Gilly, brother in-law to Bernadette McHale, uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mary, his parents, Christ and Marie Larsen, daughter Christine Larsen, siblings Arnold, Ingrid Grybash, Gerda Gustafson and Laura Petersen, father in-law James McHale, mother in-law Marie McHale, sisters in-law Helen Donahue, Helen “Sparky” McHale, Mary Alice McHale, Patricia McHale, JoAnn Lavin, brothers in- law Bob Grybash, Chuck Petersen, James McHale, Owen “Gene” McHale, Jake McHale, John “Scoops” Lavin, and James “Jiggs” Donahue.
Howie grew up in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood in Chicago, which held a special place in his heart until his passing. He attended Hirsch High School (Class of 1952), where he made a name for himself as a stellar basketball player. He was named All-City and was the leading scorer for the Chicago Public League in 1952. He continued his basketball career by playing while serving as a cook in the Army at Fort Eustis in Newport News, VA. While at Fort Eustis, he was introduced to, and fell in love with, Mary McHale, who he would marry in 1955. Howie and Mary started their life and family together in Chicago, moved to Hometown, IL and then purchased their first home in Streamwood, IL. They soon moved to Algonquin, IL where they lived for 30 years before retiring to New Port Richey, FL. Howie was a proud member of the Lathers Union and The American Legion Post in Chicago, for many decades.
Howie played 16-inch softball in Chicago, and then became an avid golfer, which he continued to play, into his 90’s. Howie was a rabid fan of Chicago sports – White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks. He held season tickets for Notre Dame football, and then Northwestern football, where the tailgates were epic, but the team was not.
To Howie, family was everything. He was blessed to have the wonderful, loving family that he was born into, and then to add a second amazing family when he and Mary got married and the McHale family welcomed him as one of their own.
Celebration of Life at The Crystal Lake Country Club, 721 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 on Saturday, February 28, 2026 beginning with a service at 12:30pm with a reception immediately following, from 1pm to 5pm.
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My heart goes out to you and your family. May the love your father gave and the memories you hold bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Rest well dear Howie!! Your “girlfriend” will never forget you. My condolences to Heidi and your entire family. Love, Micah, Kelvin, Louis, McKenzie, Max and Puff
Howie was a great person and I had the pleasure to help him with some Postal issues. He was always a gracious and friendly person to me over many years. He will surely be missed.
Such an incredibles man and friend. Will always love him Mary and his whole family
My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family 🙏🏻🙏🏻