Martin Larson

Martin Larson was born January 22, 1922 to Bennett and Helga Larson. He was born at home in Oklee, MN with a midwife in attendance. He lived and farmed at rural Oklee with his brothers until 1941 when he and two of his brothers were inducted into the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Simmons Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Martin served overseas in World War II, serving as a Med Tech in France, Belgium and Germany. He also served during the battle of the bulge. Martin was united in marriage to Edna Marie Miliander on June 7, 1952. They made their home near Oklee where they raised small grains and also had dairy and beef cattle. Martin also worked for Midland Co-op and drove school bus for the Oklee School district. In 1969 Martin moved his family to the Garfield, MN area. There he worked for Douglas County Co-op managing a Midland service station in Garfield. He also drove bus for the Garfield School district. Martin later worked for Lake Region Co-op in Alexandria where he ran the crop sprayers, tire truck, and fuel delivery truck. He also did light vehicle maintenance. He also drove school bus for the Alexandria School district. Martin?s last job before retirement was with Agri Services in Brandon, MN where he sprayed crops. Martin enjoyed working and hunting outdoors. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were special to him. Martin and Edna moved into Alexandria in October of 2004. Martin moved into Grand Arbor Gardens in December of 2011. Martin is survived by his wife, Edna, son Bruce (Judy) of Anoka, daughter Pamela (Edward) Strickland of Blaine, son Rodney (DeLoris) of Thief River Falls, four grandchildren Joni (Shane) Broughton of Providence RI, Susie (Jeff) Holman of Spokane WA, Jerome (Leanne) of Garfield, MN and Jared Larson of Fargo, ND. Also survived by 6 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Goodwin, Alvin, Engvald, Donald, and sister Leona Sletto. Surviving him are sisters Gunda Hegge, Ruth Neff, Elna Halle and brothers Ernest and Bennett and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Friday, January 13, 2012 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Roy Williams and Martha Nelson Officiated. Music was provided by Kevin Hardy and Ruth Anderson. Interment followed in the Kinkead Cemetery. Military honors were accorded by the American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard. Casket bearers included Jerry Larson, Jared Larson, Doug Navratil, Kevin Renollet, Joe Hardy and Dallas Miliander. Honorary casket bearers included all of Martin?s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.