Milton Karl Larsen died peacefully in his Dade City home on January 26, 2026. He was 90 years old. He was treasured by his friends, neighbors, and Saint Mary parishioners, where he worshipped for 40 years. He is survived by a sister, Edith Tarrall who lives in Norfolk, Virginia, their childhood home.

All four of Milton’s grandparents immigrated from Norway to live in New Jersey. He developed his love of church architecture as a boy alongside his grandmother on tours to Manhattan's historic churches and cathedrals. His mother was a milliner and his father was sea-captain. In Norfolk, Milton would assist his mother carry out garden club duties.

Milton studied Fine Arts at RPI (now VCU) for three years before joining the Army where he designed gardens at officers’ quarters. He later worked at Norfolk Botanical Garden. In Florida, he ran plant shops in Fort Lauderdale, and taught horticulture in a training program for youthful offenders in Okeechobee. He retired from Pasco State College where he taught horticulture and designed the landscapes unique to each campus.

As a member of the Saint Mary’s altar guild he created floral arrangements each Sunday for the altar and church hall. Many gardens in the area also benefited from Milton’s creative touch: Dade City Pioneer Museum, the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, and a host of personal gardens. He is past president of the Camellia Society, a member of the Leif Erickson society, and was awarded lifetime membership in the Pasco County Master Gardeners’ program.

Milton was a force of nature dedicated to gathering us into community. He honored everyone he met, extending kindness and courtesy as a true Southern gentleman. Milton was an irreplaceable friend, relative, neighbor and colleague.

Funeral Services will be held on February 21st at 11 am at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, 37637 Magnolia Ave. Dade City, Fl 33523. A reception follows in Freeman Hall, hosted by the Daughters of the King. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Mary’s Memorial Fund.