Dennis Larson

dennis larson
Dennis W. Larson, 84, Fargo, ND died on February 7, 2016 at Villa Maria in Fargo following a 3 year battle with cancer. He was born on January 21, 1932 near Maddock, ND to Lars and Nannie (Iverson) Larson. He graduated from Fessenden High School. Dennis enlisted in the National Guard, and in 1951 he was activated and selected to serve as a member of the 164th Infantry in Korea. On September 28, 1952 he was honorably discharged and returned to North Dakota to finish his education at North Dakota Agriculture College (NDSU). Dennis remained an avid Bison fan throughout his life. On December 11, 1955 he was united in marriage to Violet Olson in Sheyenne, ND. Dennis served as County Supervisor for FmHA in Lakota, Cooperstown, and New Rockford, before becoming District Director in Devils Lake. He retired from that position in 1987 but continued to work as a consultant for various banks until officially retiring in 2000 when he moved to Fargo. Dennis was a proud military man and active as a commander in the American Legion. He also believed in community service and worked with many organizations such as the volunteer fire department, selective service board, and March of Dimes. Dennis also served as a scout master, president of the golf course, as well as secretary and president of First Lutheran Church in New Rockford. Dennis enjoyed golfing, bowling, working out in the fitness center, and playing cards, especially pinochle. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent with his family and loved attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Violet; and children, Donette (Wynn) Rasmussen, Jamestown; Douglas (Kathy), Minot; Cindy (Mark) Swanson, Cando; Brenda (Clyde) Smestad, West Fargo; Kevin (Becky), Cambridge, MN; and Robert (Susan), Woodinville, WA; grandchildren, Nick, Molly, and Logan Rasmussen; Seth, Erik, and Leif Larson; Samantha, Shawn, Matthew, and Jeni Swanson; Adam and Alex Smestad; Dylan and Anika Larson; Jonah, Casey, and Trevor Larson; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy (Bill) Woll, Ernest Larson, and Violet Springer. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lloyd, Edith, Leo, Raymond, Alice, and infant brother, Sherman.

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  1. Vi,
    The Dinger’s have many good memories of the Larson family from the Devils Lake days. Sincere condolences during this time of loss.

  2. Larson Family

    I do not ever remember not laughing when staying at the Larson house and Mr. Larson come in the room. He would say something, or look at us funny, and always made me feel welcome. Thank you all for sharing him with all the kids that came through your home. It is hard not to smile when I think of Dennis Larson.

    John

  3. Dear Larson Family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Larson’s passing. I will always remember his glowing smile. The last time I visited with him was at Class B basketball about 12 years ago. What a fine gentleman Mr. Larson was. I pray God will give you much comfort and peace as this very difficult time.

  4. The Larson family, I am so sad to hear of your loss. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of your loving home in New Rockford. I cherish the friendship of your entire family. I wish I lived closer to attend services, but thinking of you all. Prayers for you at this difficult time.

  5. Vi, Donette, Doug, Cindy, Brenda, Kevin, Robert, and families,

    I wish to extend my sincere condolences following the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. Dennis was a great man. He passed through life with a genuine and caring smile for all. My father and I both thought very highly of him. May you be consoled that he is at peace. Wishing blessings upon you as you deal with your loss.

    Your friend,
    Kent

  6. So sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great neighbor and friend to many on 15th and 16th Avenues.

  7. our sincere condolences to vi and the larson family. dennis’s sunny disposition was always a pleasure to be around. evon and allan

  8. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Larson family- What a wonderful person Dennis was. His spirit and memories will continue on with Vi and all of his family.
    With much sympathy and love,
    Carmen and Randy Smith

  9. I will always be grateful for my friendship with this wonderful family. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Larson could brighten the darkest day. His smile and laughter were contagious. He would start to tell a story and then start laughing and finally finish with everyone in tears! With all the kids coming and going he and Vi had an impact on a whole generation of teens. He certainly made family a priority and taught life lessons in subtle but effective ways, I smile thinking of some of the “lessons” Cindy and I learned. He leaves a wonderful legacy. Comfort during this difficult time.

  10. It was great having you as a golfing friend and will miss seeing you on the golf course. Chet Larson

  11. Sending you all love and support at this difficult time. Sorry to hear of your loss. So sorry I will be unable to be present at the services. Wynn & Donette, you have always been so wonderful about being there for our family at tough times like this. Know you are all in our hearts and minds. Wishing you a blessed time together sharing some of the many wonderful memories you have with your dad and one another. I’m sure he’ll be there laughing & smiling with the lot of you. This is what I remember most about your family…that you laugh & smile often & much! And your dad always had such a bright smile on his face! Peace be with you all.

  12. May your family be comforted with many fond memories and prayers. Our condolences to all.
    Jerry (I work for Wanda at SCSU.) and Karen Bulisco

  13. Vi,

    The wife and I send our condolences to you and your family. Dennis and my paths in life crossed may times going back to Wells County, New Rockford, Devils Lake and most recently often running into each other in the supermarket in south Fargo. We always had a firendly greeting and quite a few laughs. Our friendship also extended to when you and I both worked in the courthouse in Devils Lake.

    Merle

  14. Violet (lily) and Larson family. So sorry to hear about your loss. The picture of Dennis is how I always remember him, with a big smile on his face. Have many memories of your family in New Rockford; babysitting the Larson kids, my mom and dad getting together with Vi And Dennis at Legion bingo ( where my mom and Vi were always talking), mom and Vi having coffee together. Such good times. Prayers for all of you. Love, Colleen Hagen Sinkler.

  15. Donette & all family members;
    The many memories will get you thru this time of grieving. The good news is you will always have him in your heart. Take Care.

  16. Dear Larson Family,
    We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis. We have great memories of being neighbors with you all back in New Rockford. What a great person Dennis was and we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God bless and keep you. Dick and Karen Dungan

  17. We are sorry to hear of the loss of Dennis, husband, father, grandfather, friend, co-worker and trainer of several Nelson county boys, myself included, in the workings of FHA. I have nothing but great memories of Dennis in those early days and over the years. He was the kind of guy you could visit with at any time and you left feeling good!! Hold fast your memories and find comfort. Carmen

  18. Very sorry to hear this news. By sheer chance I had the opportunity to play golf with Dennis a few years ago at Rose Creek when we joined-up on the course. I remember my Dad playing a match against him at the New Rockford City Tournament in the early 70’s. A very nice man. My condolences to all family members, including my “old golf teammate” Doug. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

  19. Family of Dennis Larson
    I so sorry to here of Dennis passing, he was a fun loving guy I really enjoyed knowing him, We always had a lot of fun bowling and just visiting. I know he left Devils Lake and also bowled in Fargo.
    Larry Schneider

  20. Vi, I’m not sure if you remember me, but I worked with you at Senior Meals and Services in Devils Lake. You and your family have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Dennis.

  21. We were made aware of Mr. Dennis Larson’s passing by Mert Engelhardt. It was an honor to read his obituary. His loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers, specifically Mrs. Violet Larson. To lose your partner of 60 years would be so difficult. Please know that we are sending love and support to you all.
    Sincerely, All Staff & Guests of Dorothy Day


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