Philip C. Larson, 90, of Ottawa, finished his race on September 18, 2025.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, September 22, at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Chaplain Dave Van Laar officiating. Entombment will follow at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, at the funeral home.
Philip was born on November 25, 1934 in Newark, Illinois, the son of Joe and Cordelia (Progress) Larson. He attended school in Seneca and after graduating from Seneca High School went on to proudly serve his country in the Army. Phil married the love of his life, Shirley, on August 29, 1959 in Seneca. She preceded him in death on December 2, 2018. Phil was a proud carpenter with Local Union 195 for 69 years. Phil, or Fryer Phil, as he was known in the racing community, began auto racing in 1978. Him and his family owned and operated Larson Racing a.k.a. Fryer Phil Motor Sports. He was inducted into the LaSalle County Motorsports Hall of Fame in March 2020. Phil was a member of the American Legion Post 33 as well as the Ottawa Moose Lodge. Phil was also an avid fan of the Fighting Illini. Most importantly, Phil was a loving and devoted family man who will be dearly missed.
Phil is survived by his sons, Mike (Kim) Larson and Mark (Angie) Larson; a sister, Audry Nester; grandchildren, Haley (Brandon) Aubry, Dylan Joseph Larson, Jessica Jackson, Hannah (Garett Geiger) Larson, and Chloe Larson; great grandchildren, Parker, Wyatt, and Nash Aubry, and Maverick Jackson; and his beloved dog, Lexi. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; sisters, Corrine Schafter and Wanda Wise; great granddaughter, Addelynne Marie Jackson.
Philip was laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Life at Oakwood Memorial Park.