Henry J. "Bear" Larsen, Jr.

Henry J. “Bear” Larsen, Jr., age 72, 233 Stecker Mill Road, Danville, lost his 10 ½ month battle with leukemia at 3:45 p. m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018,  while in the loving arms of his wife, Christine, at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born in Philadelphia on December 30, 1945, he was the son of the late Henry J., Sr., and Charlotte (James) Larsen. He resided in the Danville area for 47 years.

Henry was a 1963 graduate of William Tennent High School in Warminster and received his B.S. degree and his M. S. degree in history from the former Bloomsburg State College.

He was employed as a high school history teacher by the Pottsville Area School District from 1974 until retiring in 2003. He then  became a substitute teacher in the Pottsville Area School District, working until the onset of his illness. During his teaching career, Henry, was a passionate educator and beloved colleague to many. He touched the lives of many students and impacted their lives in so many ways. He also coached football at PAHS for many years.

Henry loved antiques and attending auctions for 40 years. . He was an antique toy collector and an expert in the field. He belonged to the Train Collectors Association. Henry and his wife operated an antique shop, Legacy Antiques,  at their home. Another love of his was automobiles and he belonged to the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. He was an avid Philadelphia “Phillies” and “Eagles” fan.

A Civil War expert, he visited schools in full uniform to make presentations of  the war and its battles.

Henry was a U. S. Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War as a member of the 25th Infantry Division, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only brother, James Larsen.

Surviving are his beloved wife, the former Christine Bohler, with whom he would have observed his tenth anniversary on April 14th; a beloved step daughter, Kelly Roland, Sioux City, Iowa; an estranged son and an estranged daughter in Danville; three grandchildren: Elliot Heim, Montgomery Larsen, and  Sage Larsen; a niece, Marie (Larsen) Brown, Fallsington; and his three little buddies (cats): Tucker, Baby and Marble.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 13th, at 11 a. m. in the Roat-Kriner Funeral Home, 1133 Bloom Road, Danville, with  Rev. Gary M. Emrick,  Geisinger Hospital Chaplain officiating.  Viewing will be on Thursday, April 12, from 6-8 p. m. or Friday from 10-11 a. m.

Memorials may be sent to the PA S.P.C.A., 2801 Bloom Road, Danville, PA 17821.