Erik Larsen, M.D. of Amelia Island passed away on June 6th, 2016.

Erik was born on April 8, 1922 in Aalborg, Denmark and immigrated to the United States as a toddler. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Ilse, his parents Julie Esther and Niels Christian and his brothers Kaj Ove and Paul Christian. He graduated from The Chicago Medical School in 1946 and did his surgical residency at Hines Hospital in Chicago.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lynda and his children Candace Anderson (Craig), Pamela Dardi (Loren), Richard (Theresa) and stepchildren Cheryl Levine (Brian Elsbernd) and Jeanette Morrison (David) He had ten loving grandchildren, (listed by age) Jennifer, Christopher, Alexander, Kimberly, Andrew, Megan, Daniel, Henry, Joey and Ava.

Erik served in Korea as a front line surgeon in the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Regimental Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division for which he earned a Purple Heart and a Combat Medical Badge. After having been wounded in the May Massacre in 1951 he was assigned to the First MASH (8209.) (He was the �real surgeon� interviewed by Fox for the special 30th reunion program of the M*A*S*H TV series).

In 1972 King Frederick IX of Denmark knighted him for service to the Danish community of Chicago thus becoming a Ridder of Dannenborg. He was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha in 2011.

Dr. Larsen was board certified in general surgery and was a lifetime member of The American College of Surgeons. He practiced for 45 years at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. After retirement as a surgeon he worked as a general practitioner in Kewaunee, Wisconsin and most recently as a doctor for the Jacksonville Military Entrance Processing Station. He also served on several boards, notably The Danish Home of Chicago and The Rebild National Park Society.

His hobbies included cycling, boating, tennis and golf and he was a gifted pianist. He truly lived �the American dream�.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at the Amelia Plantation Chapel with Pastor Ted Schroder, officiating.

Military honors will be accorded.