The following obituary was written by Niels C. Larsen, Jr.

Niels C. "Lars" Larsen Jr., age 81, of Appleton, died of bladder cancer on Friday, September 13th, 2024, at Oakridge Gardens, Menasha, when I joyfully reunited with my parents and my one and only high school sweetheart, Joan, who became my wife on February 5, 1963.  I was born on April 5, 1943, to Niels C. and Joan (Gibson) Larsen.  I leave behind our only son Niels C. Larsen III who was born with autism in 1966 and has resided at Agape House, Kaukauna for many years.

In addition, I leave behind my brother-in-law Richard Plamann, nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time dear friends, Duane and Leslie Youngstedt and their daughter Kira.

I worked at Riverside Paper from 1965 – 1975, when I was rearended in an automobile accident, which left me unable to work due to severe back problems.  The back problems continued until my death.  I was on Oxycodone for 25 years and before that, many other pain medications.

I and my wife Joan were very strong advocates of autism, learning and teaching others, appearing before governmental bodies, and writing many letters to politicians and the Post Crescent.  I may have been a pain in their side, but at that time there was no one else to advocate for people with autism.  Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder.  It is not a medical condition, for which there is a cure or treatments.

I would like to say thanks from the bottom of my heart to those of you that cared about me in any way.  Phone calls, visiting, writing cards, gifts, bringing up Sammy's Pizza and Dairy Queen treats.  I would also like to thank the entire staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Oakridge Gardens, but especially the staff at Agape House, Kaukauna, who have cared for our son for so many years.

To Lakeshia Gibson (no relation to my wife, Joan), the Manager of Agape House - you have gone over and above in your love, care and compassion for Niels.  You are special.

A visitation will take place at 9 am on Wednesday, September 18th, at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, followed by a short celebration of life service at 10 am.  Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.