Obituary of Charles William Larsen

Larsen, Rev. Charles William 72, entered eternal rest on October 10, 2015 due to respiratory issues that developed while recuperating from leg surgery. Chuck, his preferred nickname, was born in 1943 in St. Paul, Minnesota and proudly attended St. Agnes High School where he was active on the Debate Team. Chuck later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State in 1965. Chuck explored becoming a Christian Brother, but instead started his life of service teaching world history and geography in Wisconsin. He later enrolled at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. In 1970, Chuck was ordained a deacon in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and served the First UMC of Vero Beach until he followed a call to be ordained in the Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1971. In 1972, Chuck met Rev. Troy Perry who founded the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) denomination which has primary outreach to the GLBT community. Chuck became a pastor with MCC in Florida and in 1976 was elected pastor of MCC San Francisco. During his time in San Francisco, Chuck was appointed as an advisor to the San Francisco Human Rights Committee and worked with Harvey Milk until he was assassinated on November 27, 1978. Chuck stood next to Joan Baez as she sang "Amazing Grace" through a megaphone to more than 40,000 people during the candlelight vigil for Harvey Milk in the Castro. Chuck later became the Senior Pastor at Resurrection MCC in Houston from 1979 through 1985 and grew the congregation to the largest in the denomination at the time. Later, he served MCC Atlanta and then went back to San Francisco to serve as a Social Worker and a pastor at Golden Gate MCC. Chuck returned to Minneapolis to serve as senior pastor at All God's Children MCC when he met the love of his life, Dr. Glenn Bottomly, and they embarked on an amazing 24 year relationship. Chuck retired from the ministry in 1994 and then worked in his second passion, food service and deli work until he fully retired in 2005. Chuck recalls that one of the founding principles of MCC was that when the major U.S. churches became accepting of GLBT persons, then the MCC Fellowship would dissolve. While MCC still thrives today and just enjoyed its 47th anniversary of its founding, Chuck decided to live out this original founding principle by going back to his very first church denomination, the United Methodist Church. In April 2015, Chuck and Glenn joined River Hills UMC in Burnsville and while they were the only openly gay couple, they found themselves fully loved and accepted there. Chuck is survived by his loving partner of 24 years, Dr. Glenn David Bottomly; Glenn's father, David T. Bottomly; and Glenn's sister Lisa Galligan and her husband Bill Galligan. Chuck is also survived by his favorite sister, Barbara Larsen Küss, her husband Timothy Larsen Küss, her son Matthew Charles Pojar, her daughter Victoria Jeanette Pojar, and her grandson Ceejay Downs. Chuck was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Evelyn Larsen (Maas); his father, Charles Albert Larsen; his brother, Ronald James Larsen; Glenn's mother Carol-Ann Nelson Bottomly; and Chuck and Glenn's dear and loving friend, Patrick Francis Anzelc. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Sunday October 25 at River Hills United Methodist Church, 11100 River Hills Drive, Burnsville, MN, 55337, 952.890.2515. The activities will start with a Tea Reception from 2:00pm to 3:00pm catered by Indigo Tea Co., Chuck and Glenn's favorite tea shop. This will be followed by Chuck's Memorial Service in the Sanctuary from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. This will be followed by a Deli Reception from 4:00pm to 5:00pm catered by Cub Foods, Chuck's final employer before completely retiring. Guests attending are encouraged to bring Non-Perishable Food Items to stock local Food Shelves in honor of Chuck. Memorials can be given in Rev. Charles W. Larsen's name to any of his favorite charities: Sharing and Caring Hands, Simpson Housing Services, Aliveness Project, Animal Humane Society, or PFund Foundation. Chuck was a huge University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Football fan, and also loved live theater, debate, eating at new restaurants, and singing all of his favorite hymns, especially "Blessed Assurance" with Glenn. Chuck would say that back when he was working with Harvey Milk, that Harvey was focused on changing politics, but that Chuck was focused on changing hearts. Chuck did this so effortlessly and was always a champion of those less fortunate and those in need. Chuck's compassion was simply boundless and we all mourn his departure. During his ministry, Chuck's trademark was finishing each sermon or church service with the Irish Blessing which his family and friends read aloud to him on his last day to celebrate his devotion to God and his amazing life: "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your field. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." Keep looking homeward angel!