Willard Larson

Willard Douglas Larson, 95, of Rochester, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Samaritan Bethany. Willard was born March 2, 1919 in Emmettsburg, IA to Ludwig and Beatrice (Molison) Larson. He was a 1937 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and after that the School of Hard Knocks. On August 4, 1943 Willard married Lorraine Paschke at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Rochester. He was a veteran and proudly served his country in the US Army Air Corps for 4 years during WWII. Willard worked at M. C. Lawler's clothing store before enlisting in the military on January 15, 1942. After being honorably discharged from the military on December 8, 1945, he worked at Rochester Dairy as personnel manager and later sales manager. He sold insurance for Washington National and handled county insurance for many years. Willard also owned and managed many rental properties and was owner/broker of Larson Realty, retiring after over 50 years as a Realtor. He was a longtime member of Peace United Church of Christ, served on the church council and was very active in Y-HAW. Willard was a board member for Samaritan Bethany for several years, a member of the Home Builders Association and the Downtown Kiwanis. He was instrumental in starting Rochester Multiple Listing Service. Willard enjoyed playing cards, golf, bowling, boating and watching sports, especially the Twins, Vikings and Gophers. Willard's main passion in life was making memories while spending time with his family. Willard is survived by his children, Doug (Mona) Larson of Chaska, MN, Anne (Jim) Fritsche, Steve Larson, Rick (Karen) Larson, Sue (David) Gibson all of Rochester, Tom (Maelissa) Larson of Crystal, MN; 14 grandchildren, Ben and Jesse Larson, Erik (Amy Lien) Fritsche, Chad (Angie) Fritsche, Sarah (Craig) Rathke, Josh (Nikki) Larson, Stephanie Larson, Nicole Larson, Erin, Laura and Gina Gibson, Angela, Suzanna and Daniel Larson; 8 great-grandchildren, Oliver, Izzy, Madeline, Annabelle, Nolan, Drew, Annika, and Addison and sister, Joan Zelmer of Salem, OR. Willard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine; grandchildren, Brandon and Elizabeth Gibson and Amanda Fritsche, and by his parents, Ludwig and Beatrice. A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 2nd Ave. NE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:30-7:00 pm Monday, September 22, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Paul Bauch will be officiating with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com