Andrew Larson

Life History for Andrew Larson
Andrew Larson, age 91 of Osakis died March 30, 2009 at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, MN. Andrew Gilbert Larson was born March 17, 1918 in West Union Township, Todd County, MN to Louis and Martha (Olson) Larson. He was baptized at Sauk Valley Lutheran Church and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church, both in rural Osakis. He attended country school in District 17 and graduated from the 8th grade in 1930. To further his education he attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis for the winter term of 1946-1947. After his time at L.B.I., he returned home to the farm. His favorite story is about the early months of 1946 when he became very ill with appendicitis. He had surgery at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Alexandria and it was there that he met his future wife, Irene Marie Julseth, who was a nurse's aide at the time. They were married on October 17, 1948 at the Chippewa Lutheran Free Church in Brandon, MN. After their honeymoon they returned to Andrew's home place where they lived and farmed for over 50 years. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed caring for all his animals. He always had many ducks, geese and chickens and spent many hours candling, hatching birds and selling eggs to the local hatchery. He usually had a carton of eggs to give to his neighbors and friends as well. Andrew loved visiting and reading, especially history. He was often referred to as the walking encyclopedia. He always had a garden and planted many trees and flowers over the years. He would often bring home a bouquet of wild flowers for Irene that he had picked along the roadside. Andrew also enjoyed going to farm auctions and auctioneer would often ask him to start the bidding on many items. He had a passion for reading and recalling the material to share with others.
He liked to travel, especially the trip he and his brother, Roy took to the Holy Land in 1981 with Rev. Paul Twist. He and Irene also took a trip to California and had a good time visiting friends and relatives. In addition, they also made two trips to Norway, first in 1988 and again in 1993.
Andrew was a lifelong member of Sauk Valley Lutheran church, holding several offices, including Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, he was also the Secretary for the church, Brotherhood and cemetery board. He was sexton and janitor for the church for many years and was faithful to ring the bell for services and special occasions. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Andrew is survived by his wife of 60 years, Irene Larson of Osakis; four children, Kathryn (Loren) Fiskness, John (Bonnie) Larson, James (Denise)Larson and Karl Larson, all of Osakis; 9 grandchildren, Andrea Fiskness, Peter (Heidi) Fiskness, Timothy, Wendell, Benjamin and Emily Larson, Jacob, Ryan and Anthony Larson; two sisters, Alice Johnson of Osakis and Edna Quanbeck of McVille, ND; two sisters-in-law, Esther Larson of Osakis and Sylvia Julseth of Brandon; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roy Larson, a sister, Esther Burton and an infant sister, Inez Luella Larson; 5 brothers-in-law, Willam Johnson, Clarence Quanbeck, Robert Burton, Gordon and Walter Julseth and an infant granddaughter, Kristen Larson.
Funeral services were held for Andrew on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Sauk Valley Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Hilde officiating. Musicians were organist and goddaughter, Ione Johnson, pianist, Vicki Larson, soloists, Nathan Larson and Bennet Johnson. Bellringer was Alden Johnson and scripture readers were Dan Hagen and Philip Larson. Interment was in the church cemetery. Honorary bearers were Alyce Hagen, Esther Larson, Alice Johnson, Edna Quanbeck, Marilyn Johnson, Martin Pederson, Robert Mostad, Julian Nelson, Jim Aurzada and Bernhard & Margy Petterson. Active bearers were his grandsons, Timothy, Wendell, Benjamin, Jacob, Anthony and Ryan Larson, Peter Fiskness.
Memorials in honor of Andrew are preferred to Association Free Lutheran Bible School
3134 E Medicine Lake Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55441.

Arrangements are by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.