C.J. Larson

C.J. M. Larson passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Rochelle, IL.  He was born to Dawn Smith on December 31, 1996 in Rockford, IL.  C.J. Graduated from Rochelle High school and also went to Kishwaukee College. C.J. had many hobbies; music and drawing were one of his favorite ways to spend time. The creativity he displayed in his artwork was truly amazing.   He was very talented in the world of music and could play instruments including the guitar, but it was said that he could play any instrument he could pick up. He loved music of all kinds, any genres.  He was a gifted guitar player and any other string instrument.  C.J. worked as a Forklift Driver at Americold in Rochelle IL and was proud of his job. When he wasn’t working however he could be found riding his dirt bike, playing with RC cars or playing with his beloved dogs. C.J. was an avid outdoorsman. He was a phenomenal cook and also enjoyed grilling out with his brothers and cousins.  He especially love watching the sunset with his mom and looking up at the moon.  He also loved sitting around a bonfire and walking barefoot in the grass.  He enjoyed being outside and going fishing.  His dogs; Louie and Mia were part of his family and nothing was more important to C.J. than his family.  He loved being around his mom, making sure to make her laugh and brighten her day or finding time to play with his nieces. C.J. was always laughing and bringing a smile to people’s faces.  His main goal in life was to just make people happy especially when they were having a bad day.   He tried to help anyone that was in need.  He always carried a smile in his eyes and a lot of love in his heart.  He was a loving and devoted Uncle, Nephew, Brother, Cousin, Son, and Friend.  He was truly one of a kind and could not have been more loved and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

C.J. in Preceded in death by his sister Breanna May, his uncle Brian Johnson and his beloved dog Haitti.

He is survived by his loving mother Dawn Smith of Kings, IL; father, Craig Larson, Sr. of Rochelle; brothers Nicholas Smith, Patrick Larson and Chance Larson all of Rochelle, IL; grandfather Kelly Smith of Byron, IL; grandmother, Patricia L. Smith; aunt, Shannan Johnson of Rochelle, IL; cousins, Zachary Johnson and Austin Johnson both of Rochelle, IL; and his beloved nieces, Amara and Yasmine.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley, IL with Molly Bowen officiating.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home. C.J. will be laid to rest at Big Mound Cemetery. To send flowers please call Maple Leaf Florist at 815-762-9075 or memorials may be directed to the family.