Mark Dennis Larson

Mark Dennis Larson, Ph.D,  age 71, of Kulpmont, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020 in Bloomsburg. He spent the last week of his life enjoying the care and support of his family.

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa on September 6, 1949, a son of the late Henry and Jane (Applegate) Larson.

Mark earned his Ph.D in Labor Relations from Ohio State University. He worked in academia for most of his career, first at Ohio State and, later, at Texas Tech, Ohio University and Bloomsburg University.

He looked like Santa Claus, and worked as a professional Santa for decades in locations across Pennsylvania, including as a skiing Santa at Big Boulder/Jack Frost Ski Resort. He loved music and the Allman Brothers were his favorite live performers.

Mark is survived by his wife, the former Pamela Paddock, and his four children and their spouses: Christopher Larson, and his wife Anna, Coatesville; Joshua Larson, and his wife Lynne, and grandson Leo, Salt Lake City, Utah; Elizabeth Larson and her husband Jeff Lewis, Roanoke, Virginia; Virginia, wife of John Motyka, Kulpmont.

The family would like to thank the staff in the LIFE Geisinger program.

Mark was a life-long Democrat, so please honor him by voting on November 3, 2020.

Friends may remember Mark with a contribution to either Planned Parenthood, Attn. Development, 1144 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19107 or National Public Radio, 100 WVIA Way, Pittston, Pa 18640.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg.