PAUL LARSON

Paul Leonard Larson, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Welia Health in Mora.  He was 90 years old,

Paul was born in Winner, South Dakota on April 29, 1934. He was the second child of Lars and Ellen Larson. Together with older sister Verna and younger brother Gerald, the family moved many times before settling on a farm near Crooks, South Dakota. In August 1943, Paul lost his mother due to health issues, and therefore his father became the principal person to raise the family. Growing up in the country, Paul learned much about operating a small crop and livestock farm and attended Lyons high school in Lyons, South Dakota. After graduating in 1952, he joined the US Navy Reserves and eventually went into full duty for two years aboard a replenishment oiler, traveling the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. 

After fulfilling his Navy service, Paul used the G.I. Bill to complete a degree in Agronomy and Soils from the University of South Dakota at Brookings. In December 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne Fossum, and they were blessed with 4 children: Beth Ellen in 1956, Ruth Marie in 1959, Jonathan Paul in 1963, and Mara Diane in 1970.

Paul worked as a soil scientist with the US Department of Agriculture, first in Benson and then in Duluth. A move to Mora was needed when he changed careers and began working for the University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension service in Kanabec County. His role focused on agricultural and community development. He was instrumental in the implementation of computer technology in county offices throughout Minnesota. This success led him to move to an office on the University's St. Paul Campus.

After a tragic car accident resulting in the loss of his wife and youngest daughter, he retired from the University. He then met Karen Eliason, and they married at the Mid-Summer celebration in June 1989. Together they owned and operated “The Dandelion Floral”, arranging and delivering plants and flowers throughout the Mora area. They also built a home on her family farmstead, were active with Dala Heritage Society demonstrating their shared Swedish roots, were active members of Calvary Lutheran Church, cared for their garden and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Paul was deeply involved in his community, serving in the Jaycees and Lions clubs, on the Mora School Board, Mora Park Board and Soil and Water Conservation Board, served several terms on the Calvary Lutheran Church Council, and many years on Mora Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).  As Chair of the HRA, he was a champion for the development of the Eastwood facilities, which provided housing for low-income seniors. He also directed the task force charged with the remodel and expansion of the Kanabec County Courthouse.

His interest in world travel was sparked during his time in the Navy and continued throughout his life. Each of his children traveled with him to Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, where he introduced them to extended relatives. He also took trips to Russia, Japan, Iceland, and the Holy Land. There were also many Road Scholar trips to locations all over North America.

Paul passed on his values of community and environmental stewardship and lifelong learning to his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Gerald, wife Mary, daughters Ruth and Mara.

He is survived by his wife Karen, children Beth (Ken) Tarr, Jon (Cindy) Larson, son-in-law Mike (Dawn) Jensen, grandchildren Chelsea Jensen, Leah (Malcolm) Hillewaert, Laura Tarr, Adam (Ashley) Tarr, Marissa (Luke) Arnquist, Paige Larson, and Claire Larson, great-grandchildren, Ruth, John, Ezekiel, and Jackson, and sister Verna Hill and many other relatives, colleagues, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora. 

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church. 

Military Honors will be provided by the Mora American Legion Post 201. 

Inurnment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mora.

Memorials are preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church - Mission Endowment

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