Dwayne Earl Larsen

Dwayne Earl Larsen, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, November 6, 2025. He was born to Elwood and Lorna Miller Larsen on November 18, 1930. After graduating from Mesa High School in 1948, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark, the home of many of his ancestors.

After returning home, he met and married Barbara Jo Bassett in the Mesa Temple on May 29, 1954 and they celebrated 60 years together, welcoming six children into their lives. He served for five years in the United States Air Force as a pilot, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, he taught mathematics at Westwood High School, East Phoenix High School, and Mountain View High School, before retiring in 1992. He and Barbara then served a temple mission in Sweden and assisted his brother in the Venezuela Caracas mission.

Dwayne was known to have an inquisitive mind and a great love of learning, especially studying languages throughout his life. He loved spending time in his shop, whether working on his own projects or lending a hand with someone else’s. He was a valiant and faithful servant in his church callings, and his testimony of the Savior and love for Family History were a light to all he knew.

He was preceded in death by his sweet wife Barbara, son David, his parents Elwood and Lorna, his brother Dean (Leona) and his sisters Dolores Slade (Wayne) and DeAnn. He is survived by his sons Dwight (Cindy), Don, his daughters Dorothy, DeNae Griffin (Paul) and Debra Parker (Nicolas), as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The celebration of his life will be held November 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 AM at the Mesa 60th Ward building, 2152 E. Adobe St., Mesa, AZ. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.

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.