Chris Norman Larson

Chris Norman Larson, 70, of Rockford, IL, passed away Monday, October 10, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was born December 16, 1951, in Belvidere, IL. The son of the late Clarence and M. Lucille (Anderson) Larson. He had a gentle soul and a kind heart that would only fight a battle when it involved fighting for humanity or his wife and family. Married September 13, 1975, in Spencer Park when he proudly became "Sam's husband." Avid reader and knower of all things, there was never a question asked that he could not answer. He would wake up early each morning to read the paper, and he sought knowledge on all topics. Crossword champion and lover of Jeopardy, even on his final days, he was still able to answer the crossword puzzle correctly. He gave years of loyalty, hard work, and commitment to Sundstrand, where he built stealth bombers, fighter jets, and space shuttles. Always family first, he would never consider a promotion or a career that didn't allow him to be with his family. He loved to travel and covered both the east and west coast. He recently enjoyed a trip to Disney with his entire family. With a sweet tooth as big as his heart, he would never pass up a cookie or Fannie May chocolate. He was instantly loved by everyone he met and will be missed by many. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sam Larson; son, Charlie (Ann Thornton) Larson; daughter, Sarah (Joseph Stovall) Larson; grandchildren, Nick Larson, Aaliyah Palmer, Jade Palmer, Orian Palmer, Elleana Stovall; great-granddaughter, Annabella Larson; brother, Gordon (Anna) Larson; sisters, Janice (Guy Wych) Rush, Julie Larson; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathy Babbitt. There will be a visitation Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. There will be a second visitation Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1300 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Interment in Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family will be collecting memorial funds for a donation to Parkinson's' Research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Michael J Fox Foundation. A special thanks to the team at Northwestern and his loving caretakers from Maxim Healthcare and JourneyCare Hospice. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com. 

One of his many great accomplishments was his contribution to the Parkinson's Progression Markers research program. He was one of the first participants in the study that now includes over 1400 people and has lasted for over a decade. The Michael J. Fox Foundation launched PPMI in 2010 to better understand Parkinson's and advance new treatments. Since then, the study has changed how research is done and what scientists know about the brain. It is a cornerstone of our understanding of disease and has heavily influenced clinical trials. PPMI follows people — with and without Parkinson's — over time to learn more about how the disease starts and changes. That information may lead to insights and tools to help diagnose, treat and even prevent brain disease. He was well supported and loved by all at Northwestern Medical Center, and he felt strongly about supporting any programs that could help fight this cruel disease. All memorial funds collected will be given to Northwestern or The Michael J Fox Foundation to help support their efforts. 

PPMI follows people with and WITHOUT Parkinson's. If you would like to contribute to their studies, please follow this link to join: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi.