Donald Martin Larson

Donald Martin Larson, 67, passed away on November 1, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Madison, WI, after a hard-fought battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He persevered with dignity and his usual optimism throughout his illness. As Vince Lombardi once said, “We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time.” 

Don was born in Sheboygan, WI, on July 2, 1957, to Herm and Joan (Tank) Larson and raised in Howards Grove, WI, with his younger siblings Karen and Gary. After high school graduation in 1975 he went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Cartography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Don had a lifelong interest in maps, and to his family, he was a walking GPS. He began his career as a cartographer at the DOT in Albany, NY, and later worked at Mapping Specialists, Ltd., in Madison for 35 years, retiring in 2021. During those years he formed many lasting friendships. 

On September 21, 1991, he married the love of his life, Carol Ann Zirngibl. They had 33 wonderful years together sharing their passions for travel, hiking, biking, camping (including some legendary Bubs camp-outs), cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Their love of travel included many trips to northern Wisconsin, road trips in the US and Canada, often including camping and hiking in the National Parks. He and Carol made numerous trips abroad, and in his younger years, Don biked throughout Europe for three months on two separate occasions. 

Don was an avid reader with a special interest in history, political science, and geography. He was never without a book. He loved movie nights with Carol, Wisconsin sports, a glass of good whiskey, playing online Scrabble with family, long bike rides, campfires, and his cats, Jerry and Etta. 

Above all, Don loved his family and friends. He treasured celebrations and holiday gatherings with extended family. To his nieces and nephews he was the “fun uncle” with a great sense of humor. His many friends were a source of joy on countless bike rides, camping trips, and other adventures. He was a gentle and loving husband, son, brother, uncle, in-law, and friend. He will be dearly missed. 

Don was preceded in death by his father, Herman Larson, Jr., father-in-law, Raymond Zirngibl, brothers-in-law David Zirngibl and Bill Zirngibl, and grandparents Herman Sr. and Edith Larson, and Harold and Jessie Tank. 

He is survived by his wife Carol, mother Joan Larson, sister Karen (Allen) Wortz, brother Gary (Tina Keller) Larson, mother-in-law Carol Jean Zirngibl, sisters-in-law Linda (Eric Sorensen) Zirngibl, Kathie Zirngibl, and Dena Zirngibl, brother-in-law John (Tami) Zirngibl, six nieces, four nephews, 13 great-nieces, and four great-nephews. 

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Cress Funeral & Cremation Services at 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI, with a Memorial Service to begin at 12 p.m. 

The family would like to thank Drs. J. Chang and P. Pophali and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for the kindness and care given to Don over the past 13 months. Don’s ashes will be interred in the Little Black cemetery near Medford, WI, at a later date.