Earl D. Larson

Earl D. Larson, 94, of Willmar, died Monday, July 12th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  His funeral will be 3:00 pm, Saturday, July 17th at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar with visitation starting at 1:30 pm.  Interment will be in Clover Leaf Memorial Park in Willmar.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, www.hafh.org.

Earl was born May 20, 1927, at home, near Donnelly, MN, the son of Peter and Clara (Holland) Larson. At the age of 7, their family moved to a farm north of Willmar in Dovre Township and he attended District 62 for his schooling. After high school, Earl farmed with his father as his older brother, Howard, enlisted in the U.S. Army. Later, Earl purchased the farm and operated it together for many years with his son Kim. This family farm is today owned and operated by Kim’s son Joshua as a 5th generation on the Larson’s designated “Century” farm.

On June 5, 1948, he was united in marriage to Marian Rambow at United Methodist Church in Raymond. This union was blessed with three children, Kim, Joan and Rahn.  Earl and Marian continued to farm north of Willmar.

Earl always believed in serving his community and giving back. He served as Kandiyohi County Commissioner from 1971-1994; Six East Regional Development Commission for many years (including three years as chairman); Association of Minnesota Counties where he served as their state president in 1984; School District 790; Kandiyohi County National Farmers Organization; and Eagle Lake Sewer District Commission.

He was baptized on May 27, 1927, and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church on May 24, 1942.  His community involvement was exceptional, but his love for his church was more important.  He was an usher for many years, served on the church council and served as Chairman of Board of Trustees.  Earl was well grounded in his faith. His church meant the world to him.

Earl was blessed with many interests and hobbies of which he enjoyed.  He loved sports, playing softball, baseball, bowling, fishing, boating and golf.  Earl played for several softball and baseball teams over the years including: American Legion, Calvary Lutheran Church, Priam Elevator and the Spicer and Norway Lake town baseball teams. He had the privilege of catching a no-hitter from Tim Ray, and even made the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He was passionate about fishing and always cherished the trips to northern Minnesota with family and friends, even if Marian out-fished him!  He also enjoyed a good hunt, especially deer, duck and pheasant. Earl and Marian were able to travel extensively over the years as well, spending over 20 years in Texas during the winter and making two trips to Norway. He was a Norwegian through and through, often quoting Norwegian phrases.

However, more than anything, his family always brought a smile to his face and the time he spent with them will always be special. His genuine and authentic concern for others, compassion, friendliness and empathetic traits, will be remembered by many. He also was able to bring laughter to many with his wittiness and prankster abilities. 

Surviving are his wife, Marian; children: Kim (and Debbie) Larson of Willmar; Joan (and Dean) Hanson of New London; Rahn (and Paula) Larson of Windom; nine grandchildren: Addi, Joshua, Zachary, Kalie, Kaci, Kameron, Caleb, Timothy and Andrew; six great grandchildren: Henry, Soren, Finley, Bennett, Audrey and Evelyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Alice Sandbo and Ann Quigley and brother, Howard.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl D. Larson, please visit our floral store.