William L. "Bill" Larson, 88

William L. "Bill" Larson, 88, died June 29, 2012, at his summer residence in Pinetop, Ariz. He maintained a home in Scottsdale, Ariz., and was a native of Blair and longtime resident of Omaha. William Louis Larson was born February 25, 1924, in Blair.

After graduating high school he assumed the responsibility of the Greatest Generation, serving his country as a 19-year-old Navy aviator in the South Pacific during World War II.

Following the war, he attended the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He practiced architecture professionally, rising to vice president at Leo Daly and Co.

In 1966, Larson, along with Irving R. Dana, and James P. Roubal, founded the architectural and engineering firm DLR Group in Omaha. DLR Group completed its first year of operation with 13 employees.

In 2011, the firm Larson helped establish employed 500 people in 20 offices across the United States and an office in Shanghai.

Larson was the design force for DLR Group during its early years. His vision and influence can be seen in the design of significant buildings in Omaha and across the Midwest.

He achieved one of the design profession's highest achievements: elevation to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1972, being recognized for design.

He retired from DLR Group in 1992.

He is survived by his wife, Lili of Scottsdale; children, Marti Klabundie, Chris Larsen, and Steve Larson; stepchildren, Dawn Burdo and Charles Burdo; several grandchildren; and a brother, Robert, of Pipestone, Minn.

Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low was in charge of arrangements.

Owens Livingston Mortuary On line Page

William Larson

February 25, 1924 – June 29, 2012

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Biography

William (Bill) Louis Larson, FAIA, died June 29, 2012 at his summer residence in Pinetop, Ariz. He was 88. He maintained a home in Scottsdale, Ariz., and was a native of Nebraska and longtime resident of Omaha.

Larson was born February 25, 1924 in Blair, Neb. After graduating high school he assumed the responsibility of the Greatest Generation, serving his country as a 19-year-old Navy aviator in the South Pacific during World War II. Following the war, he attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He practiced architecture professionally, rising to vice president at Leo Daly and Co.

In 1966, Larson, along with Irving R. Dana, FAIA, and James P. Roubal. P.E., founded architectural and engineering firm DLR Group in Omaha. DLR Group completed its first year of operation with 13 employees. In 2011, the firm Larson helped establish employed 500 people in 20 offices across the United States and an office in Shanghai. Larson was the design force for DLR Group during its early years. His vision and influence can be seen in the design of significant buildings in Omaha and across the Midwest. He achieved one of the design professions highest achievements, elevation to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1972, being recognized for design. He retired from DLR Group in 1992.

He is survived by children Marti Klabundie, Chris Larson, and Steve Larson, his spouse Lili of Scottsdale and her two children Dawn Burdo and Charles Burdo, several grandchildren, and a brother, Robert of Pipestone, Minn.

Omaha World Herald 8 July 2012

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Larson, William (Bill) Louis

1924-2012

William (Bill) Louis Larson, FAIA, died June 29, 2012 in Pinetop, AZ. He was 88. He was a native of Nebraska and longtime resident of Omaha. Larson was born February 25, 1924 in Blair, NE. After graduating High School, he assumed the responsibility of the Greatest Generation, serving his country as a 19-year-old Navy Aviator in the South Pacific during World War II. Following the war, he attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. He practiced architecture professionally, rising to Vice President at Leo Daly and Co. In 1966, Larson, along with Irving R. Dana, FAIA, and James P. Roubla., P.E., founded architectural and engineering firm, DLR Group, in Omaha. DLR Group completed its first year of operation with 13 employees. In 2011, the firm Larson helped establish employed 500 people in 20 offices across the United States and an office in Shanghai. Larson was the design force for DLR Group during its early years. His vision and influence can be seen in the design of significant buildings in Omaha and across the Midwest. He achieved one of the design profession’s highest achievements, elevation to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1972, being recognized for design. He retired form DLR Group in 1992. He is survived by his children, Marti Klabundie, Chris Larson, and Steve Larson; his spouse, Lili of Scottsdale, AZ, and her 2 children, Dawn Burdo and Charles Burdo; several grandchildren; and his brother, Robert of Pipestone, MN.

Private services will be held.