Gary Larson

Gary Larson, 81, of New London, died Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Cura of Willmar.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes, www.hafh.org.

Gary was born on March 20, 1944, to parents Martin and Evelyn Larson. He grew up with his three sisters in Minot, ND.

Growing up, Gary kept busy with photography. One would often find him in dark rooms developing photos. He continued this love of film and involved himself in journalism and was the editor for several yearbooks while he attended Minot High School. In 1965, he joined the Army. In 1968, he married Sheila Wright and they lived in Fargo, ND. He graduated from NDSU with his Electrical Engineering degree on the same day his daughter, Tiffany, was born. He liked to tell the story that more people came to visit Sheila than him on that day in May 1971—daughters rule! Sheila died in September 1973. 

In August 1978, he married Darlene Wohler and Gary welcomed her son Brian Cann into the family. They moved to Billings, MT, where they lived for 20 years. Gary worked in the telecom industry. He loved his business adventures in unique locations like Guam and Micronesia where he created roadmaps for new telephone systems. Gary had an opportunity to buy a business in Minnesota and he and Darlene moved to the quaint town of New London, MN. Despite the often extreme weather, they seemed to enjoy their surroundings.  Darlene was very involved with animals throughout her life and ended up bringing dogs home. Gary quickly became a dog fan and they shared many walks, most recently with their late basset hound, Cleo.

When Darlene died in October 2022 after medical complications, Gary stayed in New London until his own health started to decline, when he moved to Cura in Willmar.

Gary is survived by sisters, Julie Lye of Napa, CA and Susan Larson of Santa Cruz, CA; daughter, Tiffany Smith [Tom] of Kingston, WA; and Darlene's son: Brian Cann.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Larson; wife, Darlene Larson; and first wife, Sheila [Wright] Larson.

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