Ellis Leif Larsen

Rev. Dr. Ellis Leif Larsen passed away on December 13, 2021 at the Kline Hospice House in Mt Airy, MD. He was born on April 5, 1936 to Ludvig Emil Larsen and Marie (Karlsen) Larsen in Brooklyn, New York. Ellis was married to Phyllis Ann (Hamilton) Larsen for 42 years until her death in 2000.

Ellis had three children: David Leif Larsen (Susan Journell), Stephen Lee Larsen  (Wanda Bulkowski-Larsen), and Eric Lynn Larsen (Martha Balis-Larsen). Grandchildren Nathan, Emma, Ellora and Mia Larsen. He is also survived by his sister Agnes Kirsten (Larsen) Selwood and her husband Robert Selwood, sister in law Virginia Tobias and nephews Colin Selwood, Scott Pugsley and niece Joy (Pugsley) Maas.

Ordained in the Methodist Church, Rev. Larsen was pastor of several churches in Indiana before going on to complete a PhD in Sociology of Religion. He then took up a career as seminary professor providing guidance and theological education to pastors and other church professionals for more than thirty years. Ellis was professor and served as Registrar of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. and was the Director of Course of Study School. He loved sharing with students outside of class, offering advice and encouragement over a cup of coffee or a meal.

Ellis was active in leadership roles at Foundry United Methodist Church and later Rockville United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Taylor University, Upland Indiana (1958), Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana (1961) and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois (1972).

His hobbies included travel, genealogy, photography and stained glass art. He had a full rich singing voice and laugh. Ellis enjoyed nothing more than being with family. He traveled extensively through his teaching visiting six continents, and doing work in Norway, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased his son, David L. Larsen and parents Ludvig Emil and Marie Larsen.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 18 at Rockville United Methodist Church (112 W Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MD 20850). Funeral arrangements are being handled by Keeney Basford Funeral Home of Frederick, MD.

Donations can be made in memory of Dr. Ellis Larsen to Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC 20016.