Details
About Don Elwood Larsen
Don Elwood Larsen, our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away at age 64, early in the morning on January 5, 2026 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born March 19, 1961 in Fairfield, California and raised by his loving parents, Dwayne and Barbara Larsen.
From the time he was very young, Don had a unique love of the outdoors and nature. He loved camping, fishing, gardening, and spending time with others in these hobbies and pursuits. Following his 1979 graduation from Mountain View High School, he served for two years in the Philippines Manila Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his mission, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and later owned his own carpet cleaning and landscaping businesses. His practical knowledge and skills as a craftsman included expertise in tree trimming, home construction, and outdoor design, such as brickwork and paving. He frequently assisted others in building and beautifying their homes.
He was also an amazing cook who loved making jams and jellies from berries he picked in the mountains, and he always knew where to find the best wild mushrooms. His Thanksgiving turkeys were not to be missed, and he was always generous in sharing his culinary discoveries with loved ones and friends.
He was both a hard worker and a kind loyal friend, dedicated to serving others even though he lived with chronic pain and other health issues for many years, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother David, and is survived by his brother Dwight (Cindy), and his sisters, Dorothy, DeNae Griffin (Paul) and Debra Parker (Nicolas).
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lazona building, located at 1345 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
6 comments
Steve
Don taught me love for the Saviour and his creations. I spent many days with the Mountain Moose amongst God’s creations that I will never forget. I look forward to seeing him again.
Michael Roy McClellan
Don, thank you for being you and never trying to become someone other than yourself. From the moment I moved to Arizona I loved being around you and your friends and family. Your friends and family became my friends and family. I loved the outings we went on. I remember visiting your family as a young boy and being taught how to catch the Billy goat without getting head butted. Thank you for your service to my mom and dad and all those who you served and supported. I miss you profoundly but know I will see you again. I love you brother. Mike
Jill Owensby Johnson
I shall always cherish the times we spent together, Don, and the memories we’ve shared all these years! Remember, it was you that gave Glen my number! We are so grateful and blessed to have you in our family circle of love. You have been an anchor at our family events for more than three decades – birthdays, baptisms, priesthood ordinations, graduations, Eagle Scout projects, cabin trail blazing and Sunday gatherings, just to name a few! You have always added light and laughter to our lives. We admire your work ethic and your never-ending willingness to help our family with your gifts and talents! You will be deeply missed, Don, because you are truly loved by so many! ❤️
– Jill and Glen
Bruce Sublette
God bless you and your family and friends
Dennis Slade
There will never be another like you Don. A hundred camping trips and adventures all over the west with you are some of the best times I’ve ever had. I’ll never eat another wild mushroom, raspberry or catch a trout without thinking of you. Godspeed until we meet again. Your cousin and a best friend for life,
Dennis
Bobby Jean Owensby
Godspeed, Don❤️ We love you and will miss you so much. And not just because you not only built the family pizza oven, but you also made the best pizza from scratch!! We love your jams and homemade ice cream too, the best ever! Thank you for always being available to help and for taking care of our yard for so many years.
We love having you in our forever family❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bobby, Chrissy, and Missy Owensby