John C. Larson

On March 24, the Blessed Mother gently took our Dad‘s hand and guided him Home. Our Dad was a loving husband to our Mom (Judith Monica Pongress) of nearly 59 years, an amazing Dad and role model to both Eric (Elizabeth McGonigle) and Todd (Catherine Raycroft), and an incredibly proud Papa to Megan, Mary, Andrew, Karl, and Michael. Our Dad is survived by his younger brother (Mike) and preceded in death by his parents (Fred and Mary) and his two older brothers (Paul and Jimmy).

During his 83-year life here on earth, our Dad held many different titles, including Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and Life Member of the Marine Corps League’s Howlin’ Mad Detachment #93 “Tun Tavern.” However, the ones that he was most proud of were Dad, Papa, and United States Marine.

Our Dad embodied the USMC ethos: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” And because he was a God-loving, God-fearing Christian his entire life, our Dad’s final USMC Fitness Report shows he has now been reassigned. Our Heavenly Father has given him Permanent Change of Station orders to report to the Marine detachment guarding the gates of Heaven. Semper Fi, Dad!

Our family invites all who called our Dad a friend to celebrate his life with us on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM followed by Holy Mass at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Consolation Church located at 8303 Taft St. in Merrillville, IN. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers (www.t2t.org).

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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