Service Information
Henry “Hank” M. Larsen, age 83, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Glencoe Regional Health Services in Glencoe.
Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 8, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Christ Lutheran Church in Glencoe, with interment following in the Christ Lutheran Church Columbarium.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Christ Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
The memorial service will be livestreamed on the Christ Lutheran Church website (https://www.christluth.com/) and on the Christ Lutheran Facebook Page. (https://www.facebook.com/christlutheranchurchglencoemn)
Obituary
Henry “Hank” Martin Larsen was born on July 19, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Ingvald and Ingeborg (Hausken) Larsen. He was baptized in 1946 and later confirmed in his faith in 1954 both at Zion Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York. Hank grew up in Brooklyn, New York. From the age of 3 until 13, he lived at a Norwegian Children’s Home in Brooklyn. He received his education in New York and graduated from McKee High School in Staten Island, New York, with the class of 1958. Hank moved to Minnesota at the age of 19. He continued his education at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota, graduating in 1963, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Following that he went on to receive his Master’s Degree in American History from Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota.
On August 27, 1967, Hank was united in marriage to Judith Ann “Judy” Marie Anderson at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel, Minnesota. The couple met in Morton, Minnesota, and after marrying in 1967, the couple moved to Glencoe, Minnesota. Hank and Judith’s marriage was blessed with two sons, John and Joshua. The couple celebrated 56 years of marriage together.
Hank was a teacher at Morton High School in Morton from 1963-1967. In 1967, he began teaching at the Glencoe High School in Glencoe; he taught there until 1981. During this time Hank was a coach for the Cross-Country team as well as the Track team there. In 1978, Hank established a retail clothing store, “Heritage Family Store”, starting in Glencoe and later expanding to Gaylord, Cokato, and Hutchinson. After 22 years, Hank retired in 2000.
Hank was an incredible athlete. He participated in numerous marathons and triathlons around the country; training on a daily basis eagerly preparing for the next race. Hank took great pride in keeping his home and surrounding landscape well-kept. The couple enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Arizona. Hank cherished the time he spent with his family and with his friends.
Hank passed away on September 4, 2023, at Glencoe Regional Health Services in Glencoe at the age of 83 years. Blessed be his memory.
Hank is survived by his
Spouse, Judy Larsen of Glencoe, MN;
Children, John Larsen of St. Louis Park, MN,
Josh Larsen and his wife, Kari, of Glencoe, MN;
Niece, Robyn Larsen, and her sons, Josh and Sean;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Paul and Janet Jacobson, Joanne Rachner, Mike and Betty Gabrick, Gordon and Mary Hass;
Other relatives and many friends.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Ingvald and Ingeborg Larsen; Brothers, Ingvald Larsen, and his wife, Sandy, and Carl Larsen, and his wife, Ruth; Sister, Joan Courtier and her husband, Richard; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, John and Ethel Anderson; Brother-in-law, Ralph Rachner; Nephew, Flynn Larsen.
Bradley Thom says
So sorry to hear of Hank’s death. I was blessed to run or ride with him for miles and miles through all four seasons. More than that I loved the way he was such a great coach to so many high school athletes. My deepest sympathies to Judy, John, Josh and family.
ROGER SOPKOWIAK says
Hi Judy, So sorry to hear about Henry! Really a shock to hear. You have my deepest sympathy! Not an easy thing to deal with or it was for me. Take care Judy Love you guys!
Julie Becker says
Judy and family,
You have my sympathy and prayers. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time.
Lisa DeCasas says
Deepest sympathies for your loss Judy, John and Josh. He was such a kind and giving person and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this loss.
Lisa DeCasas
Lans Rothfusz says
I have this man to thank for my running and life successes. He taught me how to set goals, measure results, fight past fatigue, overcome setbacks, and enjoy the sport of running. The results (for me and others) were school records, championships, long-lasting friendships, and lessons of perseverance, no matter the difficulty, that served me in other ways through the years. To this day, I still hear his voice encouraging me in my morning workouts. “C’mon, Lans, you are behind your pace!” My heart breaks for Judy and the loss of this inspirational coach and friend. Take a victory lap, Hank. You were one of a kind. You made a difference to me and so many others. If my body could take it, I’d do another five 440s for you – just like in high school. RIP, coach! Judy, my prayers are with you in your loss. Thank you for your support of him through the years, too.
Amy Polifka says
Hank was the best Boss I have ever had!! (& Judy too) I worked for both of them all through highschool @ The Heritage Clothing Store & Casual Corner. I always looked forward to going to work & really enjoyed “going to market” buying new clothes for the store. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Kim Graczyk says
I’m so very sorry. I have always had so much respect for Hank. I will always remember him running and how passionate he is about his family.
All my love
Kim Graczyk
Lars Ide says
Judy, John and Josh,
Sorry for your loss in the sudden passing of Hank.
He was a great inspiration and coach for cross country and track and field teams throughout his coaching career.
I enjoyed having Hank on the bus trips these past years.
I know he took up golf late in life, but I got to play with him once.
He’s probably in Heaven running and riding bike.
God Bless you all!
Allison Maas (Menning) says
Hank was the best cross country coach around! He always gave great advice before every race, even after my high school years we would be out running and cross paths and wave across the way!! He will truly be miss by many!!! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Hal & Judy Kirchoff says
Our deepest sympathy Judy, John and Josh. What an awesome man he was and what a legacy he has left to the community. A special thrill we observed was watching him race in the 70 and over division Causeway Marathon on South Padre Island and with Hank coming out a winner. Love and prayers are with you Judy. We will be there.
Brad & Bonnie Hahn says
Judy, John, and Josh;
Shocked and saddened by the news of Hank. Always so mellow and kind. Our sincere condolences to the whole family.
May God keep you all in His loving embrace and love.
Peace, Blessings and Love
Brad & Bonnie Hahn
Gloria Eck says
There are not words for how much our hearts hurt for you! So very sorry Judy, John and Josh! Hank was one of a kind and one of the most dedicated and kindest men we have every known! Superb coach and always “walked his talk” with challenging himself! When he took up decopaugh, he was dedicated to it just as he was to everything else in life! You were sweet newlyweds when we first met and we became immediate forever friends! We hold such fond memories of both of you in our hearts! May God comfort you and be with you always! We love you so much! Gloria and Larry
Patrick Feehan says
Hank was my first true mentor. He knew how to help you be your best and then trusted you to follow up and excel. He was a great coach, always able to juggle all the duties, events and athletes. He looked you in the eye and looked inspired trust and belief. So many great athletes benefitted from those calm trusting eyes and words.
Judy, John and Josh – my deepest sympathies. Goodbye Henry, my coach, safe home my friend.
Greg Jerve says
I was very sad and very shocked to hear about Hank, and my heart goes out to Judy and family on the loss.
What can I say about Hank? A few times in your life you come across someone who profoundly affects your life. Hank was one of those people. He was an amazing coach. You always listened to him and he made you feel you could be better than you thought you could be. He was a positive inspiration to me and hundreds of others who crossed his path. I’m still practicing the life lessons of fitness, doing your best, and always trying to improve.
It was fun over the years to cross paths with Hank and catch up and hear of his exploits. It seemed Hank would always be out there doing marathons and triathlons. His was a life well lived.
Steve W Dove says
I remember fondly the years in which we worked and coached together in Glencoe. His character and leadership along with state championships made him an icon in the community. A true inspiration for many of the students and student/athletes in the community during the many great years of Eagle athletics in the 70’s, 80’s and beyond. He will always be remembered for the number of lives he touched he such a positive way.
Katie Zirbes says
I am so sorry to hear the loss of Hank. He was one of my coaches in high school Cross Country and Track who helped coach myself and my teammates to several state meets and a girls 2004 XC State Championship Team Title at GSL high school, and the only one at GSL to this day. Hank loved the sport and giving back to the community, it showed in every way. He will be greatly missed.
“It’s a great day to run” -Hank Larsen
Molly Geier says
I am very sad to hear about the loss of Hank. Hank was my Cross Country coach. I have been graduated since 2011 and still to this day, when doing strides before a race or just going up a big hill I can hear Hank yell “High Knees”! Hank was always upbeat and was ALWAYS ready to run! I remember we were running through the Alleyway one day for practice and some dogs started to bark. Out of nowhere Hank started to sing “Who Let the Dogs out! WHO, WHO, WHO”!? We all started to laugh and that became our song for that running year. Hank had such a big heart, was a wonderful coach and person and a big inspiration! He will be deeply missed and will never forget hearing “It’s a Great day to run”!
Gil Rein, Art M., Tom B. Stan H., Charley C., Gene H., Don M. says
Hank was a member of our Edmond Fitzgerald Ultra Marathon Running team from 1994 to 2005. The Fitz race was run from Finland, Mn. to Brighton Beach in Duluth. Our team name was ” SPRINT 50″as we were all in our 50’s in 1994. We had 8 men on the team. Hank was our
best and toughest runner. He ran more legs of the 100 kilometer race than any of us. We have been meeting for dinner for several years in June of each year with spouses in the Plymouth, Mn., area to maintain our friendships. Hammerin’ Hank will always be remembered.
Art Maillet says
Many fond memories, sharing time and running with Hank. We had a common teaching and coaching bond. As members of the Ed Fitz Fab 8 Championship Team, we enjoyed the October weather surprises of the North Shore. He left his mark here on earth and will be deeply missed.
We wish Judy and family the best.
Shanda Landes says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Judy, Josh & John and your families. Hank was an inspiration to so many and so the ripple of his influence will carry on through the generations. Sending hugs of our love and comfort to you, Shanda & Dan Landes
Tom Feehan says
Hank was my cross country and track coach, but so much more than that. As a mentor, Hank taught us about self responsibility and self motivation. He was not a Yayra kind of coach, but instead very rationally gave us the tools to succeed, and expected us to work hard achieving them. And we did partially out of our love for Hank. The bonds we built as a team were strong, but nothing compared to the admiration and respect we had for Hank. We will miss you, Henry
Spike & Jackie Millslagle says
Judy just informed us about Hank. He was a great person. Met him while competing in triathlons. We visited about coaching due to similar backgrounds. Became friends, especially when we lived in Green Valley, AZ. We biked and swam together. He was well known as an age group winner in tri-Minnesota, Minnesota grand master winner and USA tri all American. Jackie and I are sad to hear Hank passed. So sorry Judy and family but find comfort in that Hank loved you and Hank’s successes were due to all your support and love.
Hank & Judy Deutsch says
Hank Larsen is an inspiration! He was an active member of the Green Valley, Arizona Swim Club. We were the other “Hank and Judy” in the club. I often swam and competed with him!
RUN FOREVERMORE, COACH!
Kim and Tom McCarty says
We met Hank and Mary through the Green Valley Swim Club(AZ) and shared fun times both in the pool and at the social gatherings. Hank was competitive and always pushed himself during workouts. Enjoyed hearing his stories about running races. He always showed up at the pool wearing the latest, fanciest running shoes! His positive attitude and good sense of humor were among the many qualities we will remember.
Wishing Judy and Family the best.