Orville Larson, of Dawson, died Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Johnson Memorial Home in Dawson at the age of 80.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson. Rev. Kendall Stelter will officiate and interment will be at Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 23 from 5-7:00 PM at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.
Orville Eugene Larson was born on May 18th, 1932 in rural Lac Qui Parle County to parents Martin and Olga Larson (Ellefson). He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He attended country school through the 8th grade in Providence Township, MN. Orville then helped his parents on the family farm.
On April 22, 1951, Orville married Maxine (Laabs) . They made their home and farmed in Rural Canby during their early married years. To this union 5 daughters were born namely Patty, Deanna, Lynn, Sandy and Amy.
Orville worked for Larson Tiling for over 40 years. He loved operating the Big Bud Tile Plow, enjoyed the company of his fellow employees and loved playing practical jokes on some of them. Over the years Orville gained the respect of all of the farmers that he tiled for and from the men who worked with him regularly. After his retirement in 1997, he thoroughly enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful pieces for his family.
He loved to spend time with family. Orville was a man of few words and was content to just sit and listen to everyone around him. He so much enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He considered his sons-in-law his own sons and loved giving each and every one of them a hard time.
His wife, Maxine, lovingly cared for him at home until his health further declined, requiring him to move to the Johnson Memorial Care Center on March 3, 2012, where he received excellent care. He enjoyed joking with all of the caregivers and won them all over in a short period of time.
He is survived by his wife Maxine; five daughters Patty (Bob) Lahl, Chaska, Deanna (Jim) Nelson, Dawson, Lynn (Tim) Hilde, Loretto, Sandy (Bob) Pehrson, Dawson, Amy (David) Dahl, Dawson, Sister Janice (Lee) Melby, Arizona, Sister-in-law Deloris (Wayne) Livermore, Mapleton, Iowa, 17 grand children, 20 great grand children, several nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his father & mother-in-laws; two sisters: Margret and Ardyce; brother-in-law, Philo; a niece, Laura Smith; and nephew, Dale Laabs.