Orville Larson

Orville B. Larson Orville Byron Larson was born on the family farm in Little Sauk Township, Todd County, Minnesota on September 11, 1923, the son of Albin and Olga (Johnson) Larson. He grew up in a Christian home and attended country schools # 92 and #29 in Todd County. At the age of 12, Orville?s mother became very ill and it became Orville?s responsibility to leave school and help his family on the farm. While these times were very difficult, they helped shape Orville into the hard-working, gentle and humble man that he became. He learned much about the faithfulness of God and developed the personal and unshakeable relationship with Jesus Christ, which became the song of his life. During World War II, Orville moved to the Minneapolis area where he worked helping with the war effort. Returning to the Osakis area he met and was united in marriage to Norma Klukken on June 6, 1948. The couple had over 63 years of a loving marriage and together raised seven children on the farm. In a loving way, the couple instilled the qualities of integrity, hard work, kindness and love into all of their children. The couple continued to live on this farm through the retirement years to this day. Music was an important part of Orville?s life. He sang with brothers, Loren and Wayne, and brother-in-law, Phil Klukken, as a quartet for many years. He was a member of the Runic Men?s Choir and also sang in the Gordon Men?s Choir. Singing was so important to him that throughout his life he included it in his work, travel, and home. The songs most dear to him expressed worship to the Greatness of God and thankfulness for the wondrous Cross of Jesus. He was an active member of Christian Men?s Fellowship (president for a time), member of the District 63 school board (chairman for a time) and the Alexandria Golden Kiwanis. Whatever he was involved with, he did with passion, commitment and faithfulness. Because of his desire to serve others, he would always find a way to help ? going out of his way whenever necessary. Orville was resolute in his support for his church. He was a founder and the first elder of the Berea Lutheran Church in Alexandria since its inception in 1972. His love for the people and ministry of Berea was demonstrated by countless acts of service and mercy. Even in his later years he continued to be active in worship and Bible study, including last Sunday. Orville adored his grandchildren and cherished the many family gatherings where he could spend time with them. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Orville displayed his love for his family and extended family through his devotion to daily prayer for each individual and the personal attention, which he lavished on them all. Orville was a man of quiet but passionate faith, trusting that the God who loved him and saved him would keep and sustain him through every moment of his life. Throughout his life he became entirely convinced of the truth that ?all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.? Orville died on Thursday, September 22, 2011, at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 88 years. He is survived by his wife Norma Larson of Osakis; children Myron (Cheryle) Larson of Alexandria, Becky (Steve) Moltumyr of Omaha, NE, Kathy (Rodney) Garvin of Fergus Falls, Allen (Deb) Larson of Alexandria, Mark (Tracy) Larson of Alexandria, Kurt (Lori) Larson of Alexandria, and Kendal (Sara) Larson of Carlos; seventeen grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, brother Wayne (Ina) Larson of Osakis, and sister-in-law Eleanor Larson of Osakis and many nieces and nephews. Orville was preceded in death by his parents, brother Loren, sister Irene Klukken, and grandchildren Greg Moltumyr and Stephanie Larson. Memorial services were held on Monday, September 26, 2011, from the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Pastor Steve Walswick officiating. Music was provided by Jamie Larson, Orville?s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and Lynette Holm, pianist. Private interment services were held at the Bethel Cemetery in Little Sauk Township, Todd County, Minnesota with Myron Larson, Allen Larson, Mark Larson, Kurt Larson, Kendal Larson, Steve Moltumyr, and Rodney Garvin serving as pallbearers. Visitation was held on Sunday evening, September 25, at the Berea Lutheran Church in Alexandria.