ROCHESTER — Services for O. John Larson will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. S.W., Rochester. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Feb. 22, at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (1119 11 1/2 St. S.E., Rochester), and one hour prior to services at the church.
He died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.
Born Aug. 29, 1942, in Hallock, Minn., to Oliven V. and R. Helen (Witt) Larson, John grew up in Pembina, N.D., and graduated from high school in 1960. He attended Mayville State Teachers College, graduating in 1965 with a degree in Business and English. He taught school in California, Montana, Minnesota, and West Fargo, N.D. He received a master’s degree in school administration from Tri-College in Fargo-Moorhead. He was principal in Cumberland, Wis., Hinckley, Minn., and Dodge Center. He was Superintendent in the Elgin-Millville and Truman, Minn., school districts. He retired in June, 2010.
John married Almae Anderson at Grace Lutheran Church in Hallock, Minn., on Nov. 4, 1961. Almae survives him along with their children, David (Dawn) of Fargo, N.D., Derek (Julia) of Reno, Nev., and Julie (Bruce Jackson) of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren, Brandon, Shiloh, Marissa and Kylee Larson of Fargo, Chelsea and Luke Larson of Cape Vincent, N.Y., and Christrina and Erica Jackson of Portland; and great-granddaughter, Ava of Cape Vincent.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Almae’s parents, Earnest and Alma Anderson; and brother-in-law LaMar Anderson. He is survived by sisters, Garnet (Richard Muehlhausen), and Marcie (Jim McDevitt); and brother Mark Larson (Nancy Bjork); brothers-in-law, Charles Anderson (Marilyn) and David Anderson; sister-in-law Donna Teien (Jim Utect); and 19 nieces and nephews.
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He was devoted to his family and friends. He enjoyed pheasant hunting. His love of horses enabled him to participate in field trials, trail riding, and attending auctions. He enjoyed driving his horse and cart in parades. Last summer, he drove his horse and cart in the Winnebago Wagon Train.
He wanted every day of his life to be a parade and lived by the motto, "Every day that I live positively is a better day lived."
Memorials are preferred to Mayo cancer research or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .
