Obit: Larson, John E. (1926 – 2009)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Larson, Hendrickson, Steinke, Ling, Young, Kappus, Thompson, Bloomer, Pierson, Olson, Vradenburg, Christianson

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) December 23, 2009

Larson, John E. (24 February 1926 – 18 December 2009) With Flag

John E. Larson, 83, of York died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center.

John was born Feb. 24, 1926, in Northfield Township, Jackson County, to parents Albert and Elvina (Hendrickson) Larson.  He served in the United States Army during World War II and fought in the European Theatre.  He married Leonna Steinke April 29, 1950, and they farmed in Northfield Township for over 60 years.  He enjoyed keeping his picturesque farm in meticulous condition, and he was proud to host Richard Ling, United States Secretary of Agriculture, when he visited his farm in 1986.

John was a lifetime member of the Upper Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church and served on the church council.  He was a member of the Alma Center VFW and served on the boards of the Hixton Farmers Co-op and AMPI.  He also belonged to the local card and snowmobile clubs.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and the United States, especially visiting war memorial sites in Washington D.C.  He also loved to go to yard sales, and he was an avid reader of military history and biographies of political figures.

John will be remembered as an honest and hardworking man, a true farmer and a family and community-oriented man.

He is survived by his wife, Leonna; three sons, Gary (Kathy) Larson of Appleton, Ronald (Debbie) Larson of York and Kevin (Sharon) Larson of Eldridge, IA; three daughters, Kathryn Young of New Castle, OK, Ginny (Dave) Kappus of Eau Claire and Linda (Randy) Thompson of Tempe, AZ; one brother, Arnold (Beaty) Larson of Osseo; four sisters, Anna Bloomer of Sterling, VA, Helen (Royce) Pierson of Black River Falls, Alice (Duane) Olson of Warrens and Selma Vradenburg of Chippewa Falls; 14 grandchildren: Aaron, Kristen, Lisa, Erik, Sarah, Anna, Shawn, Miranda, Tyler, Ericka, Brian, Matthew, Jenna and Mitchell; nine Great-grandchildren, Alex, Zac, Parker, Zac, Abby, Gabe, Emoly, Mya and Kennady; besides many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Alvin, Odell and Earl, and by a grandson, Noel Young.

Funeral service for John E. Larson will be held Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Upper Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church, rural Hixton, with Pastor David Christianson officiating.  Burial with military rites will be held in the church cemetery.  Friends may call Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, and also one hour prior to services at the church.