Denise Malmberg Larsen returned home to the arms of many beloved friends and family as she finished her work in this mortal life on January 10, 2026.
Denise was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Emil and Maurine Malmberg on January 13, 1945. As a young girl, her family moved to the Bay Area, where she grew up and attended school. She attended Foothill College in California and later earned her degree in elementary education from BYU.
While at BYU, she met the love of her life, David Elliott Larsen, at a singles ward activity. They were married on June 4, 1966, in the Oakland LDS Temple. They spent 59 years loving and supporting each other and raising their two precious children. Together, they enjoyed their time in the Payson Community Theater and the Payson Civic Chorale. Dave and Denise spent many summers traveling with their family. Denise loved music and played multiple instruments, including the guitar, violin, and piano. She had a love for children, and her favorite church calling was serving in Primary.
In 1975, Denise and Dave moved to Elk Ridge, Utah. Their home was one of the first in that area. After 30 years of residing in Elk Ridge, they were called to serve a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, happily serving the people of Harlingen, Texas.
Denise taught elementary school in the Alpine and Nebo School Districts for 30 years. She cherished her time as a teacher. One of her greatest accomplishments was teaching her students how to read.
Denise was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She held many callings and loved serving in many capacities. Denise had a deep love for and relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life was a living testimony of that love.
Denise is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Maurine Malmberg, and her grandson, Cameron Bryce Larsen. She is survived by her loving husband, Dave Larsen, of 59 ½ years; her children, Bryce (Kelli) Larsen and Erika (Colby) Davis; 11 grandchildren, Corbin, Lexi, Payton, Cameron, Hunter, Savannah, Kade, McKaid, Brett, and Brock; and 13 adorable great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Bob, Rick, Karen, Alan, and Gary.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork, UT 84660. There will be a second viewing on Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Spanish Fork East Stake Center, located at 1158 East 1240 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. This will be followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
3 Condolences for Denise Malmberg Larsen
Condolences(3)
Nanalie Knotts says
January 12, 2026 at 7:03 pmMrs. Larsen was my kindergarten teacher the very first year she taught school at Valley View Elementary in Pleasant Grove. She was so pretty and so nice. I ran into her at the store in Payson a few years ago, and she looked the very same as she did back in 1970. She looked at me in fear when I asked if she was Mrs. Larsen. But was so nice to talk to. May you be comforted at this time of loss.
Kelly Pexton says
January 15, 2026 at 7:25 pmI am honored to write a brief tribute on behalf of a very dear friend of our family. Dave and Denise, Bryce, and Erika, lived in Elk Ridge across the street from the Peterson family, my in-laws, for many years. They had a very fun, close, and sacred friendship. My late wife, Sheri Peterson, loved them all dearly, and always had some fun memory to share about all of them. I am particularly grateful for the kindness that Dave and Denise always showed to me, especially when we lost Sheri. I am comforted to know that she has now joined Sheri above, along with her neighbors, JoAnn Bigler and John Peterson. May the Lord bless and comfort all of you with the same love that you have shared so abundantly for many years with us. Sincerely, Kelly Pexton and Family–Sarah and Tanner and Spouses and Children
Barbara Malmberg says
January 16, 2026 at 7:12 pmI was honored to have Denise as a sweet sister-in-law. My memories are pure happy ones of all the times we shared. Denise was one of the kindest people I know very sweet at all times. We enjoyed those early years after college new in our marriages, the light of the world shining bright on us. Denise kept that light and I know she will be missed. My heart goes out to Dave who loved her completely. I pray for his comfort I know the separation will be so difficult for him and to Erika and Brice. My heart and home is always open. You hold a special place in my heart I remember you in various stages of your life always laughing and playful. Keep that sweet spirit about you above all. Please remember that there are many who love you still when you need comfort please seek me out.