Quentin Larson

Quentin L. Larson (Bud) was born February 5, 1926, in Alexandria, MN, the middle son of parents Clarence N. Larson and Minnie Sanstead Larson. He was a graduate of Alexandria High School Class of 1944. He entered the Army in 1945 and served aboard the troop carrier U.S.A.T. Goucher Victory as part of the medical personnel. On November 11, 1949, he was married to Doris Dyke in Webster, S.D.Their marriage was blessed with two wonderful children—Lee of St. Paul and Laurel French of Rapid City, S.D. Bud graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in June of 1951. In August of 1951, during the Korean War, he was recalled to the military and served with the medical battalion in Korea. Serving with distinction, he earned the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Bud and Doris owned and operated the Larson Pharmacy in Graceville, MN, from 1955 until 1980. Often Bud would go down in the middle of the night to open their store to help someone needing medication. Throughout the years, the Larson Pharmacy operated at the Graceville Hospital and the Graceville Nursing Home, with Bud charging the nuns who managed them only his cost for the medical supplies he provided. Bud was active in civic affairs in Graceville, serving on the school board, the hospital board of directors, Grace Home board of directors, and as president of the Lions Club.

After selling their pharmacy in 1981, Bud and Doris retired on Lake Ida in Alexandria where Bud enjoyed fishing, walking, reading, gardening, and most of all, spending time with his family. Bud was never shy about letting others know how very proud he was to be an American. Family and friends who knew Bud considered him to be faithful, humble, courageous, loyal, patriotic, smart, humorous, kind, sentimental, and thoughtful. He truly personified “the Greatest Generation” and will be greatly missed as he was deeply loved by everyone who met him.

Bud’s abiding faith was most evident while he was in hospice care. He was not afraid and put concerns for his family foremost. Optimistic and grateful to God to the end, Bud wrote the following when he was near death: “I have been blessed all my life with the best—the best parents, the best brothers, the best wife, the best children, the best grandchildren, the best son-in-law, the best daughter-in-law, the best friends, the best dog (Cindy), the best hunting and fishing ever. For all your blessings, Lord, I give you thanks!”

Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Doris, as well as his children Lee (Sheryl Ramstad) of St. Paul, Laurel (Ted) French of Rapid City; grandchildren Karl Larson of St. Paul, Kate Mickelson (Victor Alberane) of Cuernavaca, Mexico, Luke (Tessa) Mickelson of Rapid City, Sarah (Brian) Kmetz of Boston, Charlie (Brittany) Hvass of Denver, Kristina (Jordan) Taylor of Denver, seven great-grandchildren, brother, Milo (Marge) Larson of Pelican Rapids, MN.

Preceded in death his parents and brother, Myron & (wife, Joan).

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria or Hospice of Douglas County.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019, 3:00 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.