Andy Larson died on Wednesday evening, December 16, 2009, at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.
Funeral service was at 1:00 PM, Sunday, December 20, at Grace Lutheran Church Pastor Kendall Stelter officiating; Pastor Patty Moe will give a eulogy; Jim Schueller will read scriptures; and pianist/organist, Chris Lehne played "Beautiful Savior" as a piano solo and accompanied the hymns "Away in the Manger", "Give Me Jesus" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". Michael Allen, Christopher Carlson, Ron Carlson, Jayann Hassan, Brandon Lee and Jillayne Schueller were casketbearers and burial was in the Grace Cemetery.
Visitation was on Saturday, Dec 19, at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson from 3-5:00 PM with a closing prayer service at 5:00.
Andy Morton Larson was born on November 27, 1917, at his home in Providence Township of Lac Qui Parle County, the fourth child of Emil and Nellie(Swenson) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at Providence Valley Lutheran Church. Andy attended school in Providence Township and graduated from Canby High School in the class of 1936. He was united in marriage to Caroline Elizabeth Radmer on November 2, 1940, at the Mission Covenant Church in Chicago, IL, and they were blessed with 66 years of marriage and 4 daughters: Donna, Gloria, Lynn and Michele. As a young man Andy was a carpenter in Chicago and later a farmer in the Canby area. He and three of his brothers founded Larson Brothers Tiling in 1948. Over the years, the brothers sold their share of the business, but Andy continued the business with the help of his sons-in-law: Emery Jensen and Gale Burg. Andy retired in the 1980's.
Andy lived in the Dawson community for 57 years. He was active in Grace Lutheran Church teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and serving on the church council and building committee. His hobbies and passions included ballroom dancing in the 1940's, with the foxtrot reported as his and Carol's favorite. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Andy and Carol traveled in their RV throughout the US. An additional highlight was the annual summer trip to the lake in northern Minnesota, spending a week with family and friends. The family continues this tradition to this day. Andy was also especially touched by his 4 trips to the Holy Land. He was known as a humble, generous, and loving father, grandfather, brother, husband, and a friend and faithful servant to our Lord. Many extended family and friends were touched by his endearing care and referred to him as their second father.
Andy passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at the Johnson Memorial Home, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by 3 daughters: Gloria (Gale) Burg of Dawson, Lynn (Jim) Schueller of Renville, and Michele (Raymond) Lee of Hudson, WI; son-in-law, Emery Jensen of Dawson; 11 grandchildren: Emery Jensen Jr., Darlene Iverson, Kristin (Ron) Carlson, Tricia Burg, Andria (Jason) Sibert, Tanya (Alan) Bischof, Michelle (Jeremy) Loomis, Jayann (Khurram) Hassan, Jillayne Schueller, Brandon Lee and Rachel (David) Dettmann; 14 great-grandchildren: Heather Jensen, Michael Allen, Brianna Iverson, Christopher Carlson, Brennan Gutierrez, Alexa Bangasser, Vince Nash, Amanda Nash, Lydia Nash, Grant Bischof, Keegan Bischof, Aleena Hassan, Dade Loomis and Mallie Loomis; 3 brothers: Emil, Jr. (Sandy) Larson of Amery, WI, Arvid Larson of Dawson and Lloyd (Josephine) Larson of Park Rapids; 4 sisters: Emily Sumner of Dawson, Dorothy Main of Richfield, Joyce Amling of Elkport, IA, and Bonnie (Richard) Ellis of Ocean City, NJ; and many nieces and nephews that held special places in his heart. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife Carol on November 15, 2006; daughter Donna on May 13, 2002; brothers: Lawrence and Vernal; sister Myrtle Peterson; and grandson-in-law, Mike Nash.
We thank God for the time we had with him. We were touched by his unconditional love and compassion and we will celebrate his life forever in our hearts.