James O. Larson, of Dawson, died Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the Johnson Memorial Home in Dawson at the age of 85.
Funeral services will be Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Baxter. Pastor Willie Rosin will officiate and interment will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5-7:00 PM at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. There will also be visitation at the church for one hour before services..
James Orion Larson was born February 8, 1928 in Garfield Township of Lac qui Parle County, MN the son of Ronald and Regina (Kravik) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at Garfield Lutheran Church. James attended District #63 country school, Madison public school, and the Morris ag school. He was united in marriage with Loretta J. Halvorson March 6, 1949 at Ness Lutheran Church in Madison. They lived and farmed together in Providence and Madison Townships before moving to Baxter Township in 1954. In 1962 they bought their first farm and together started their crop and dairy farm, and the home for their growing family. James always loved farming and loved living on the farm every day of his life. After receiving a treasured gift of a new heart on June 10, 1988, he began his retirement years where he enjoyed spending his time in his shop restoring old tractors and cars, and keeping the farm looking nice. He especially loved spending winters in Mesa, AZ with their old friends from Minnesota and new friends from Arizona.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta; a daughter, Charlene (Steve) Mertens of Quilcene, WA; three sons: Rodney (Nancy) Larson of Boyd, Bradley (Evangelyn) Larson of Sherburn, MN, and Dean
(Karen ) Larson of Appleton, MN; 35 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Gerald (Donna) Larson of Federal Way, WA and Warren Larson of Des Moines, WA; a sister-in-law, Judy Larson of Dawson; a brother-in-law, Curt Donahue of WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Craig Larson in 1997; a brother, Russell Larson; and a sister, Ramona Donahue.