Darren Larson

On October 7, 2016, Darren Patrick Larson left this world to find peace with his loved ones that left before him, and his fallen comrades that he respected so deeply.

He came into this life on August 24th, 1969 in Fridley, MN, to his parents then wed, Delmer and Patricia (Danielson) Larson. The family moved to the Alexandria area where Darren lived his childhood and school years with his brother David, and family, until graduation. To take care of his young family, then wed Michelle (Navratil) and son Kody, Darren followed in family footsteps and joined the United States Armed Forces. As did his Grandfathers Archie Danielson and Orrin Larson and Uncles' Willys and Emery Larson and Steve Hartjen, before him. This journey began in December 1988, with basic training at "Fort Lost in the Woods" Missouri. It continued to Aschaffenburg, Germany, which was interrupted with the call of duty, to Desert Storm. He served with the Big Red One, infantry division, leading the way as the front line for combat in Kuwait. In May of 1991, Darren returned to Germany, only to continue on to Fort Hood, Texas, in the months to come. Darren went to school for Electrical Armor Repair on the Apache Helicopter for 8 months at Fort Eustice, Virginia and then was stationed at his last duty station, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. November of 1995 was Darren's date of Honorable Discharge from the Army.

After returning to Minnesota, he was blessed with a daughter, Kaycea, that only heard stories of the Army life, that defined him. Darren was employed at Warren's Electric for a brief time and also Northern Food and Dairy. He then worked at Alexandria Concrete and Juno Tool before hanging up his "POW" hat, and enjoying time outdoors and the simple things in life. Darren proudly served his country, he was a supporter of "POW" and "MIA" causes. His family knew him, like no other. The relationships he made in the military are not to be forgotten especially Tim Ginn, as his family and friends in life have been there for him, through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.

It is with sadness and pride that we each remember Darren, as a life too short is always a hard thing to understand. We will chose our own way to remember Darren, with our own special memories that we hold dear in our hearts. Remember only the smiles, the laughter and the love that made each relationship unique. Never forget the love… for the love, will heal the pain.

Darren is survived by his Grandmother, Magel (Archie) Danielson; Mother, Patricia (Dave) Weber; Brother, David Larson; Son, Kody Larson; Daughter, Kaycea Larson; Daughter, McKenzie Bakeberg ; Grandson, Tallan Nelezney-Larson; Grandson, Kayden Larson; Uncle, Steve (Diane) Danielson; Aunt, RoseAnn (Steve) Hartjen; Aunt, Vera (Randy) Carlson; Aunt, Sandy (Emery) Larson; Nephew, Austin Larson; Niece, Taylor Larson. He is preceeded in death by his Grandfather, Archie Danielson; Grandparents, Orrin & Harriet Larson; Father, Delmer Larson.

Darren P. Larson age 47 of Alexandria died on Friday, October 7, 2016 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 1PM at the Shalom Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be Solem Lutheran Cemetery near Kensington.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.