Johnny Larson

Johnny H. Larson, age 90, of Ortonville, died Sunday, September 13, 2015, at Northridge Residence.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville with Rev. John Ragan officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, at Zion Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at the church on Monday.

Casket bearers will be Martin Brown, Marlin Schumacher, Jim Hipple, Pat Greuel, Vernon Johnson, and Brian Streed.

Johnny Harlan Larson was born on October 5, 1924, in Big Stone Township, Big Stone County, MN, to Jens Peter and Lillie (Hegge) Larson. He attended school in Ortonville, graduating from Ortonville High School with the class of 1942. Following high school, Johnny enrolled at the University of Minnesota, studying agriculture on the St. Paul campus. He was also in ROTC while there. His studies were cut short when he was sent home to farm as part of the war effort. Following the war he continued his farming career with his father and brother.

On December 7, 1946, Johnny was united in marriage with Arlene Mae Peterson in Clinton, MN. To this union, they were blessed with three children. The Larson family lived most of their adult lives on the farm before moving to Apple Valley Orchard, where they lived for twenty years. In 2004, Johnny and Arlene moved to Stephens Avenue in Ortonville and then Fairway View Senior Apartments in 2008. In August of 2012, Johnny became a resident of Northridge Residence.

Johnny was a farmer, truck driver, and salesman. He owned JP Larson and Sons, a farming and trucking company, with his father and brother, Arloe. He hosted The Farm Show for KMSD radio station. Johnny sold atlases for Midland Atlas. He also sold health and long-term care insurance.

An active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN, Johnny served on the Council and the Building Committee, as well as teaching Sunday School. He also served as a Big Stone Township officer, which was part of the Minnesota Association of Townships. He was the president of the Ag Extension of Big Stone County, and was a member of RDC. Johnny loved music and played guitar for his family and friends. Hobbies included fishing and hunting deer, ducks, geese, and elk – he especially cherished his trips to the Black Hills, Idaho, and Montana. He enjoyed woodworking and ironwork. Most important to Johnny was being a friend and helping anyone who needed his help! His loving ways and positive attitude will be missed by many.

Left to cherish Johnny's memory are his children: Rosemary (Neal) Brown of Ortonville, MN; Marcella (Don) Lilleboe of Pelican Rapids, MN; and Larry Larson of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren: Martin (Rachelle) Brown, Laura (Jim) Laub, Julia Brown, Shira Wilson (Chris Doyle), and Sasha Larson; great-grandchildren: Carter, Isaac, and Addison Brown; Harvey Larson-Silvert; and Thomas Jefferson Twilliger.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene Larson; brother, Arloe Larson; and sisters: Dorothy Hoxtell, Verna Scott, and Lorene Kiernat..