Mitch Larsen

Mitchell Williams Larsen, beloved father, husband, brother, son, friend, and physician, unexpectedly passed away on May 6, 2024.
He was one week away from celebrating his 54th birthday. He died from a blood clot, following complications related to a recent back surgery. With shattered hearts, his family members unexpectedly say goodbye to this extraordinary, larger-than-life, one-of-a-kind man.

Mitch (Dr. Larsen, Meetch, Padre, Commander, Dad) was born on May 13, 1970 in Cottonwood Heights to Gary and Suzanne Larsen. He was raised in a loving family who enjoyed working, traveling, skiing and rafting together. Between many suspensions for pranks, Mitch attended Brighton High School, where he and his friends jokingly tried out for (and made!) the cheerleading squad. After high school, Mitch attended BYU and excelled in his studies, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a minor in Music. He was a member of the BYU Men’s chorus and was a gifted musician in voice, saxophone, piano and guitar.

From 1989-1991, Mitch took a break from his education to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brasilia, Brazil. He married his beautiful wife Stephenie Sorensen in 1997. Their love was the embodiment of what a healthy, fun and happy marriage can be. Stephenie was Mitch’s light and backbone throughout their 27 years of marriage. His kids will always remember the love and support that they consistently showed to each other. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mitch pursued a career as an orthopedic surgeon at Georgetown University. He then completed an orthopedic residency at UT San Antonio and a shoulder fellowship at Duke University. Mitch was a gifted surgeon whom his medical colleagues jokingly referred to as a “Ginga Ninja” and “an absolute wizard” with a scope and scalpel.

An avid reader, Mitch was knowledgeable about many subjects–especially history. His charisma, energy and humor made life a wild, amazing ride. His passion and zest for life turned each day into an adventure. Mitch was good to the core; his integrity and authenticity were of highest importance to him. He was true to what he believed–always a defender of what is right and good.

Stephenie and Mitch’s six beloved children were his top priority. He always took their phone calls–even if he were in the operating room–he’d simply put the call on speaker. He taught his children to “work hard and play hard” as he shared his passion for the outdoors and love of adventure with them, creating amazing memories along the way. Every future ski run down Great Scott, backyard barbecue, rolled kayak, conquered rapid, Bear Lake vacation, and trip down the Salmon river will always be warmed by his infectious smile and loving memory. Mitch fit more into his 53 years than most people could fit in a lifetime.

Mitch’s untimely death leaves a giant hole in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and community. But his passion for life and adventure will forever live on in his children who will continue to jump into stomach-dropping adventures in his honor. Most importantly, they will want to love large, laugh lots, and give back like their dad.

Mitch is survived by his cherished six children: Grace, Jake, Isabel, Caroline, William, and Wyatt; his loving wife Stephenie; his mom Suzanne Williams Larsen; his three siblings: David (Camille) Larsen, Amy (Michael) Zaharis, and Brady Larsen; and many adoring nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Fisher Larsen.

The viewing will be held at the Larsen residence on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00-12:00.
Funeral Service at 12:30, also at the Larsen home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Encircle LGBTQ+ Family and Youth Resource Center. And love like it were your last day. Meetch would want us to care for our planet (Save water, Emit less carbon)