Norman — In the summer of 1959, Hank Larsen left his home in Dexter, Maine, and reported for duty at Fort Sill. It was his first Army assignment.
A few weeks later, he was asked to go on a blind date at the University of Oklahoma. When Hank entered the Kappa house and met the lovely Brenda Ann Simms, his bachelor days were over.
Brenda and Hank were married Feb. 23, 1960, in Brenda’s hometown of Lindsay.
During the next 30 years, the Larsens endured many moves and family disruptions typical of an Army family. Highlights included the birth of their son Skip at Fort Devens, Mass., and their son Rick at West Point, N.Y.
While Hank was stationed in Korea, Brenda completed her degree at OU. Then while Hank was in Vietnam, Brenda began her teaching career. The Army then sent Hank to Purdue University, so Brenda took this opportunity to earn her master’s degree. That proved beneficial as she was selected by Temple University to manage their program at Wildflecken, Germany, during Hank’s assignment there. The Larsens’ final assignment was a six-year tour at Fort Chaffee, Ark.
After retirement from the Army, Hank was hired to be the project manager for ITT responsible for logistical services at Fort Sill. After a second retirement, the Larsens chose to move to Norman. Both their sons, along with Brenda, are OU graduates. Brenda and Hank today reside a mile or so from where they first met 50 years ago.
Both enjoy traveling, especially when it includes visiting any of their six grandchildren. Brenda and Hank play golf, do some volunteer work and enjoy rooting for the Sooners and the Boston Red Sox.
