David L. Larsen, 79

David L. “Beef” Larsen, 79,  of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away April 30, 2024. He was born Feb. 17, 1945, in Valley City, N.D.

Graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1963, he continued his education at North Idaho Junior College.

David married Claudia “CJ” (Austin) Larsen on Sept. 22, 2002, in Rochester, N.Y.

He served in the Washington Air National Guard in 1965.

He was employed as a ticket agent by Northwest Airlines in Spokane, Tampa, Fla., and Kalispell, Mont., for 37 years.

Residences included Coeur d’Alene, Tampa, Kalispell, Paradise, Mont., and Post Falls.

Upon retirement, David enjoyed working at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, living on the Clark Fork River in Paradise, Mont., and moving to Post Falls in 2019.

As an avid Chicago Cubs fan, he also enjoyed fly fishing and serving as a Post Falls Kiwanis Club member.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee (McQueen) and Philip Larsen and his sister, Kay’d (Larsen) Olson. Survivors include his wife, Claudia “CJ;” daughters Kirsten (John) Long, of Sitka, Alaska; Jennifer (Tim) Hembree of Lacey, Wash.; brother Kent (Susan) Larsen of Post Falls; sister Jeanne (Chuck) Baranski of Shelton, Wash.; and grandchildren Carter and Matthew Long of Sitka; Joshua and Samantha Hembree of Lacey, Wash.

During the holidays, David loved playing Santa Claus and was a loyal supporter of Toys for Tots.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Toys for Tots.

Please visit David’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.