Peter Jay Larsen

Peter J. Larsen, 64, of Kasson, formerly of Minnetonka, passed away after a lengthy illness, at his residence in Prairie Meadows on Friday, May 24, 2013.Services will be at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Byron United Methodist Church at 503 First Avenue NW, Byron, MN with Pastor Sharon Nelson officiating.Interment will be at the Byron Cemetery immediately following the service. Military honors will be provided by Sumner R. Hair Byron American Legion Post #119. Peter was born in Rochester, MN on November 12, 1948 to Arlene (Petersen) and Lawrence Larsen.He grew up on the family farm in rural Mantorville.Following graduation from Byron High School in 1966, Peter enlisted in the US Army where he attained the rank of Sergeant.He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Communication Center Specialist.He received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal as well as a Unit Citation for his years of service to his country.Peter was honorably discharged from active and reserve duty April 1, 1973.Upon his return from active duty, he studied Agriculture Education, English, Accounting and Business at the University of Minnesota.In May of 1975, Peter married LuAnn Knapp of Minneapolis.They farmed near Belle Plaine for several years before returning to the Twin Cities area.They were later divorced.Peter worked for the US Postal Service serving the offices of Eden Prairie and Hopkins.He retired from the USPS in 2005 after 34 years of service. Peter loved sports, especially baseball.He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins.He liked to farm, play pool, and watch old classic movies.He enjoyed woodworking and listening to his collection of classical music and jazz.He had a real passion and talent for playing the drums. He is survived by his nine siblings, Larry (Ramona Purnell) of Goodhue, Anita (Vernon) Nelsen of Byron, Barbara (Edward) Kuhlman of Northfield, Paul of Wasioja, David of rural Mantorville, Robert "Bob" of Rochester, Janis (David) Brooks of rural Byron, Jary of San Francisco, CA, and John (Robin) of rural Mantorville, 6 nieces,5 nephews, 3 great nephews and 2 great nieces.He is also survived by his aunts, Amanda Larsen of Byron, Gail Berge of Kasson and numerous cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, a niece, Sarah Kuhlman and 2 great nieces, Stephanie Leaman and Nicole Pool. Friends may call from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at the Byron United Methodist Church on Friday, May 31, 2013 and one hour before the service on Saturday. The family prefers memorials to the Association for Frontal Temporal Degeneration (AFTD) Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320 Radnor, PA 19087, the Salvation Army Caring Partners Program, 20 First Ave. NE, Rochester, MN 55906 or the Byron United Methodist Church, PO Box 146, Byron, MN55920. Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com