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John William Larson was born January 20, 1925 in Stillwater, MN. He passed away April 19, 2020 in Stillwater, MN.  Resided in Bayport, formerly of McGregor, Aitkin, Lindstrom area, Marine on St. Croix and Scandia.  

John grew up on a farm in Scandia where he acquired a lifelong love of animals and working with the soil.   After serving in WWII, 63rd Infantry Division, 254th Battalion, Heavy Weapons M Company, he traveled the U.S. finding various jobs over the years while starting a family.  He returned to the local area where he worked for Scandia Township.  

For many years John ran his Larson Excavating business doing what he loved, working with dirt.  For a time he owned the Naughty Pine Bar creating a place for locals in rural Aitkin to gather, eat and enjoy.  John stayed in northern Minnesota enjoying old-time dancing, snowmobiling with family and Arnie Larsen; playing cards, being in the outdoors with trees, flowers, birds, traveling and working with dirt.  He was a fierce defender of family, animals and especially children.  John enjoyed life, had a sweet disposition and was loved by all.

Survived by long-time partner Sharon Hanson; sister F. Genevieve Bakke; children Barry (Laurie), Marlene (Keith) Olson, Lori Larson, Paula Cline, Randy (Renee), Darryl (Kim), John (Debbie) Hanson, Dawn (Paul) Husman; local grandchildren Tara Olson, Troy Olson, Todd Olson, Tawnya (Ryan) Burke, Jerrod Parker, Carl Cline, Caden Cline & other non-local grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, many relatives, the Scandia Shalander family and Penny-Lu.  

Preceded in death by mother Alvina (Balfanz) Larson; father Reuben E. Larson; sisters Merriam Nicklason & Judy (Mertz) Britz; half-brother Charles Larson; ex-wife Lorraine (Larson) Johnston, Arnie Larsen, and Andy and Foxie.  

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date, due to COVID-19.  Charitable gifts of remembrance to Alzheimer’s, VA or Croixdale.

Visitation will be held at Grandstrand Funeral Home - Lindstrom, Sunday, May 3, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., practicing safe distancing with the time slot  3 – 3:30 p.m. allocated for the elderly and anyone with underlying health issues.

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