John Larson 1936 – 2023

After almost five years of struggling with dementia, on September 9, 2023 John Larson has flown away with the angels. John, 87, was born and raised in the little town of Canby, MN to Oliver and Helen Larson. There he had a paper route, worked in the greenhouse and sometimes helped with harvest. He liked to tell the story of when he and a friend built motorbikes and would ride them to Dawson, MN on 5 cents worth of gas. They also spent time camping, fishing and frying up their catch in Chub Dale.
After graduation from Canby High School, John worked on the construction of the Presbyterian Church and with a road crew until joining the US Air Force in 1957. He took jet aircraft and flight line training at Parrin Air Force Base before being deployed to Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya. After discharge, John began a 30 year career as an optician in Topeka KS, Beloit WS, Duluth MN and Watertown SD. He later worked in a wood shop for ten years.
In 1963 he married Katherine Harkin. They had two girls, Nancy and Peggy and enjoyed 20 years exploring the acreage in SD.
All of John’s life the north woods of MN called him, so in 2000 he retired to 6th Crow Wing, Nevis, MN where he began to tame a lake lot for their retirement home. With a small camper and a campfire under a tarp, they cut trees, stacked wood and trimmed brush for their new home.
John always maintained that while building their home, he needed equal time for coffee. He enjoyed many an hour with friends every morning at the Northwoods Café in Nevis.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father and brother Bill Larson of Topeka KS. He is survived by his wife Kate (Kathy), daughter Nancy (Greg) Froning SD and AZ and their children Derek and Rachael in KS and daughter Peggy (Chad) Sevre and daughter Maggie in MN. Also brothers and sisters-in-laws, Jim (Sue) and Bing Harkin and Carol (Terry) Harkin and nieces and nephews.
Visitation and the Memorial service will be held on October 7, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church, 24025 MN 34, Nevis MN 56467. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with the memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Condolences may be sent to Peace Lutheran Church. 9-27pd