In Memoriam: Alan L. Larson

Alan Larson

October 21, 1938 – March 19, 2024

Alan L. Larson was born in 1938 to a Chicagoan mother and Swedish immigrant father. He was raised in the city, graduating from Lane Tech College Prep High School in 1956 and Harper College with an Associate Degree in 1972.

In 1962, Al met his wife Nancy, and they moved to Schaumburg in 1969.

Al was a dedicated servant to the Village of Schaumburg. He became involved in politics in the early 1970s. In 1974 he was appointed Chair of the Schaumburg Environmental Committee and Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals by Mayor Bob Atcher. From 1975 to 1987, he served as Trustee on the Village Board and worked alongside Mayors Ray Kessell and Herb Aigner to establish and implement Village policy. From 1987 to 2019, he had the privilege of serving as Mayor. To honor Al's ardent dedication to the Arts, the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts was dedicated in his name in 2017.

Al prided himself on being highly accessible and responsive to Schaumburg residents. He was actively engaged in the community and focused on improving the quality of life for those that live, work and do business in the Village.

In Schaumburg, Al and Nancy raised five children: Michael, Catherine, Elizabeth, David and Jennifer. Al is survived by his wife of 60 years, his children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and his sister Lorna.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 22 from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.

Al was an Eagle Scout and a naturalist. In observance of his lifelong love and appreciation of nature, donations in Al’s memory can be made to the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg at www.parkfun.com/mayorlarsonmemorial.

The Larson family would like to thank Dr. Michael Peplow and his staff at Ascension Medical Group; the skilled and compassionate employees of JourneyCare Hospice; the incredible ladies who assisted with home care; and the friends and neighbors—an extension of our family—who provided support throughout this difficult time.