Deceased Members–2005

In Memory of Robert E. Larson

Robert E. Larson, FSA, MAAA, passed away on April 15, 2005 at the age of 88. Larson was best known in actuarial circles as the first chair of Actuarial Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a position he initiated. He taught at the university from 1957 to 1966. Previously he taught at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, from 1948 to 1954.

Larson received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison; a master's degree from the University of California at Berkeley; and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Larson was employed as an actuary for a number of insurance companies over a 40–year period, including Aetna, Bankers Life of Iowa, Benefit Trust Life and Bankers Life and Casualty. He retired in 1980 from his position of chief actuary for Railroad Retirement Board. Avid duplicate bridge player; received Life Master designation in 1960.

He married Fern Galvin in 1942. They were together for 55 years until her death in 1997. Survivors: daughters, sons–in–law, Linda Triplett, Chicago, Ill.; Marjorie and Bruce Kennedy, Malcolm; Karen and Neil Cole, Redlands, Calif.; Peggy Larson and James Scheidt, Minneapolis, Minn.; sister, brother–in–law, Elizabeth (Betty) and Willis McMichael, Berthoud, Colo.; nine grandchildren; five great–grandchildren; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 16, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm.