John Edward Larson

Britton, SD

1939-40, 789, Este, F-3,

(June 4, 1917 - August 17, 2013)
U.S. Veteran

Britton, SD: The funeral for John E. Larson, 96 of Britton, formerly of Amherst, SD, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the Zion Reformed Church in Amherst. Burial will be in the Britton Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Price Funeral Chapel of Britton.

John passed away Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Wheatcrest Hills in Britton.

John Edward Larson was born June 4, 1917, at Lake City, South Dakota, to Ole and Climinnie Conant Larson. He attended school at Lake City and Britton.

After receiving his education John was in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Black Hills of South Dakota, planting trees and building bridges. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, stationed in the U.S., France, Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria.

John married Elnora Lenius on July 10, 1943. After John's discharge from the army, they made their home in three South Dakota cities: Britton, Lemmon and then Gregory before settling in Amherst. John worked as a mechanic and in 1955 he purchased a shop from Louie Hardina which he named the Larson Repair Shop. He was well known in the area for his quality work.

In Amherst, John raised his family of four sons and was known for his involvement in community and township activities.

Following a long and rewarding career, in the mid 1990's John began the process of retirement. In 2003, John and Elnora moved to Spruce Court. During their time at Spruce Court Elnora passed away in 2005. John continued to reside there until July 2012 when health issues necessitated a move to Wheatcrest Nursing Home.

John was a member of the Zion Reformed Church of Amherst. For many years he drove school bus for the Amherst school. He was a member of the American Legion of Claremont. He enjoyed ice-skating (He could execute a perfect figure 8 and taught all his sons how to skate.), bowling, fishing and pheasant hunting. John also had a great love of music and filled many hours listening to his collection of compact discs.

Grateful to have shared his life are two sons, Ricky Larson of Denver, CO, and Robert (Colleen) Larson of Bismarck, ND; two grandchildren, Christopher Larson of Bismarck, ND and Melissa Larson of Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews who held a warm and special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elnora, in 2005, two sons, David, in 1981 and Randy, in 1998; his parents, Ole and Climinnie, his sister, Dora, and five brothers, George Otis, Theodore, James, Lawrence and Clarence.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion Reformed Church - Box195 - Amherst, SD 57421.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Robert Larson - 419 Saturn Drive - Bismarck, ND 58503.

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