Ralph Merlin Larsen, 96, of Beatrice passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, Ralph was born on August 23, 1929, in rural Virginia, Nebraska, to Clarence A. and Dora Loree (Le Poidevin) Larsen. Ralph attended Holmesville High School and graduated in 1947. While in high school, he participated in sports, music and 4H. On September 11, 1949, Ralph was united in marriage to Virginia Switzer at the First Christian Church in Beatrice. To this union four children, Larry, Susan, Michael, and Kent were born.

Ralph loved to sing. He was in church choirs at Liberty Christian Church and First Christian in Beatrice. He participated in all of Wymore’s cantatas and was also a founding member of the Homestead Harmonizer’s Barbershop group in Beatrice.

Ralph farmed while also working at First National Bank, Store Kraft, Liberty State Bank where he retired after 31 years and was also the Executive Director for the Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation for 5 years.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 76 years Virginia, children: Larry Larsen and wife Diane, Susan Mathias and husband Michael, Michael Larsen, Kent Larsen and wife Dyan, grandchildren: Michelle (Chad) Heath, Jennifer (Jerad) Little, Justin (Steph) Larsen, Kathryn (Ross) Tyler, Lori Obermeyer, Megan Larsen, Elizabeth (Mike) Pederson, Alexys Larsen and fiancé Brody Bopp, and Olivia Larsen and fiancé Sergio Rodriguez, 13 great-grandchildren, his sister Ruby Hardin and husband Roland, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, in laws Norvel and Audrey Switzer and brothers and their wives Marvin (Jean) and Wayne (Verna) Larsen.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 17, 2025, at First Christian Church in Beatrice with Pastor David Bigley officiating. A family prayer service will be at 10:45 AM in the church parlor. A Graveside Interment will be held at 2 PM on Monday, November 17, at the Liberty Cemetery in Liberty. Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice. Family will greet friends from 5-7 PM at the mortuary. Memorials contributions are suggested to the Liberty Cemetery in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.