Paul Larson

Paul Robert Larson was born on March 29, 1948 in St. Peter, Minnesota.  His parents were the late LeRoy and Marion (Berg) Larson.  He grew up in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and graduated with the Class of 1966.  Paul went on to Mankato State where he earned a BS degree in history and art. 

In his youth, Paul had many travels around the country and spent summers on the farms of various aunts and uncles in the New Ulm area.  Through those experiences he grew to love the country life.  He had many different construction jobs, taught school in southern Minnesota, and eventually went back to construction.   Country life was calling to him.  Paul moved from Mankato to Folden Township in Ottertail County in 1979 and made his home on a small hobby farm. 

Paul met Kathleen Lannon while living here and they were married March 22, 1991.  Their family included Ryan and Janna Reuter and they proudly welcomed Alec in 1992.

Paul was an active member of his community serving on the St. Edward’s Church Council, the Otter Tail County Waste Management Board, and the Otter Tail County Variance Board for sixteen years.  He was very involved in the Henning School building project and was extremely proud of the new school and the community of Henning.

Paul was a selfless man, always putting family and friends ahead of himself. He and his son Ryan built a cabin on Rush Lake in 1992 using logs and field stone from the farm.  Paul loved hosting Fourth of July celebrations at the cabin and grilling his special burgers for everyone.  The family enjoyed twenty-five years of great summers there.  Fall included annual hayrides, with roasting hot dogs over a bonfire.  His grandchildren had a special love for Paul’s homemade buttermilk pancakes.

Specials activities that Paul enjoyed were cutting wood, playing cards with his poker buddies and Cribbage pals, talking endless politics, tinkering with his motorcycles and visiting with friends.  He was well known for his old red Nissan pickup truck around town.  Paul loved gospel and old-time country music and any movie with horses, especially old westerns.  He played guitar and organ too.  Family and friends were of most importance to Paul, but he also loved animal buddies, Sophie and Daisy. He had a special bond with all his B.W.N.B. pals who kept in contact through all these years.

Paul stated that the best time of his life was with his wife, Kathy and children Ryan, Janna, and Alec.  His special joy was watching his son Alec getting off the school bus as a young boy and other wonderful memories as he grew up.  Then came the grandchildren Louie, Simon, Hans and a new life started.  Paul loved these little guys dearly, they meant the world to him. 

We hope he knows how much he will be missed by family and so many others that called him friend.

Paul passed away peacefully at his home on November 11, 2018 at the age of 70 after a five-year battle with kidney cancer.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Bruce Larson; parents-in-law:  John and Bernice Lannon.

Paul will be remembered lovingly by his wife: Kathy; children:  Ryan (Eliza) Reuter, Duluth; Janna (Adam) Aune, Minneapolis; Alec Larson, Duluth; siblings:  Steve Larson, Shoreview; Lea (Michael) O’Rourke, Nevis and a host of relatives and friends.

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