Obit: Larson, James R. (1923 - 2020)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Larson, Wagner, Schindler, Pekarske, O’Brien, Fink, Palumbo, Myhre

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home, (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 10/19/2020

Larson, James R. (11 March 1923 – 14 April 2020)

James R. Larson, age 97, of Withee, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Deerview Meadows Assisted Living in Medford.

James was born in Redville on March 11, 1923 to the late Ralph and Clara (Wagner) Larson. He married Lillian Schindler on September 11, 1948. She preceded him in death on June 6, 1998. James was born and grew up on the family farm in Redville and continued farming there until June of 2018. He loved the woods and logged for over 50 years. James also sold live bait for over 20 years and was a lifelong active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Known as an active hunter and fisherman, James loved to be out in the fresh air and especially fishing for muskies. He loved music and learned to play harmonica while attending Redville School. On his 97th birthday, he treated his family and friends with his playing. James enjoyed visiting with people and helping those in need. He loved his family, friends, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be missed but his family is thankful he is celebrating now in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

James is survived by his four children: Mark (Judy) Larson of Withee and their children; Tony (Stephanie) Pekarske and Leah (Korey) O’Brien; John Larson of Cocoa Beach, FL; Phil (Darlene) Larson of Wausau and their children: Stacy (Scott) Fink, Brad (Sarah) Larson and Dan (Jen) Larson; and Carol (Robert Palumbo) Larson of Duluth, MN. He is further survived by his five great-grandchildren: Holly and Abrielle Fink, Jackson and Hudson Pekarske and Theodore Larson.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian.

A funeral service for immediate family will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee. Rev. Tom Myhre will officiate. Family and friends can watch the service live through Facebook by typing in Maurina Schilling Funeral Homes. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Withee.

Memorials can be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 204 Division St., Withee, WI, 54498.