Obituary

Palle was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was preceded in death by his parents Karen “Helga” (nee Olsen) and Ib Larsen and biological father, Elith Frode Christiansen. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Larsen (nee Brown); son Eric (Sheryl) Larsen of Croyden, PA; daughter Karen (Chris) Coffee of Centerville OH; grandchildren Allison Coffee (Tucker McFerren), Nathan Coffee (Maddy), Shannon Coffee, Jamie Gray (Sagen Patton), Heather Schwegler (Dan); great-grandchildren Kayla and Jackson Gray, and Max and Jemma Schwegler; sisters Winnie Taradash of Phoenix, AZ and Kirsten Madsen of Nykobing Sjaelland, Denmark; sister-in-law Eileen Brown of Byron, Minnesota; special cousins Grete and Hans Hjort of West Chester, OH; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Palle was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He and Barbara were inseparable. They enjoyed travelling to many different destinations in the US and around the world. They especially enjoyed visiting Denmark where Palle still has many relatives. Barbara and Palle also shared many interests close to home in Kettering. For many years they attended water aerobics classes at the Kettering Rec Center. They also volunteered for the City of Kettering, including the Lathrem Senior Center, where Palle was a member of the Ukulelians. They were members of the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner where they loved to socialize and dance the polka. Both took pride in Palle’s Danish ancestry. They were members of the Cincinnati Scandinavian Society where they enjoyed being part of the Royal Danish Players, a theatre group. Palle was best known for his role as the Emperor in “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”

Palle was a proud veteran of the US Navy and served from 1954 to 1957 during the Korean War. He was also a lifetime member at the Kettering American Legion Post 598.

Education was very important to Palle. He passed his love of education onto his children and grandchildren. He first attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he earned his Associate Degree in Computer Technology. He met Barbara in Milwaukee as she was there at the same time in Nursing School. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s in Engineering at University of Dayton in 1975. And then earned his Master’s degree in Management at Central Michigan University in 1980.

Palle put his education to good use. He had a successful career in the technology industry. He worked his way up to a Program Management position where he supported large technology programs at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Most of his working years were spent at NCR and Systems Research Laboratories (SRL).

Palle was an avid golfer, who belonged to several leagues and proudly scored a hole in one on Sept 13, 2016.

Palle was an excellent orator, he was a member of the Dayton Toastmaster’s and was well known for his memorable speeches and toasts. He was always the life of the party.

Palle was one of kind. He will be greatly missed.

Palle Larsen’s Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Kettering American Legion Post 598. Remembrances will start at 1:00 with a Military Honor Guard Ceremony starting at 1:30. Friends and Family are welcome.

Memorial Donations in Palle’s name may be made to the Kettering American Legion Post #598.