Robert Joseph Larson

Robert (Bob) Joseph Larson was born on October 8, 1930 in Richville, Minnesota to Bertha and George Larson. He passed away on August 29, 2017 at St Joseph Hospital, Park Rapids. Minnesota. Bob was raised in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, where he attended school.In 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Korea as a Tank Commander with the 1st Division during 1951-1952. Following his military service, Bob worked for the Ottertail Power Company in Fergus Falls, MN and the Midwest Telephone Company in Parkers Prairie, MN. Bob worked for West Central Telephone in Sebeka MN. He worked his way up to General Manager, which was his position when he retired in 1993 after 37 years. Bob married Kendora (Kenny) Hall on August 22, 1953, from this marriage three children were born; Susan, Judy and Tom. Bob and Kenny moved their family to Menahga (from Wadena) in 1960 where they raised their children and were active in their community. In 1962, Bob joined the Guy L. McDermeit Post 6206 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Menahga, MN, and the Berg Nyland Post 456 of the American Legion of Sebeka, MN, and was a Life Member in both organizations. He served his VFW Post 6206 in numerous offices and was Post Commander in 1962, 1963 and 1964. Bob worked his way up to the State level and was named VFW State Commander for 1980/1981. Bob and Kenny were very involved in the VFW and met many great friends, most of whom kept in contact with them for years. Bob was a past member of the Menahga City Council, Green Pine Acres Nursing Home board and past President of the council of First English Lutheran Church. He was also on the Menahga Development Corp. and the Civic and Commerce Association. After retirement, Bob and Kenny spent their winters in Arizona with many of their VFW friends. They enjoyed getting out of the cold and keeping very busy golfing and entertaining. Bob lost his wife Kenny after almost 50 years together. He continued to head to Arizona for several years after that loss, but it was hard on him, and eventually he wasn't able to travel that far. Bob spent 9 months in an assisted living facility in Montgomery, Minnesota. He “came home” to Menahga to Woodside Manor in September, 2014. He lived there until November 2015, when he moved into Green Pine Acres Nursing Home! Bob passed away on August 29, 2017 at St Joseph Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha and George, his wife Kenny, his brothers James, Richard, Jon and brother in law Dwayne Strodtman. He is survived by his three children, Sue (Jack) Anderson, Judy (Coleman) Foley and Tom (Kristi Hjermstad) Larson. Seven grandchildren, Danae (Brian) Adamek, Kris (Dawn) Anderson, Megan (Tom) Huber, Lyndsay (Travis) Hall, Ashleigh (Jeff) Culp, Myles (Kali) Foley and Lissa (Tim) Usher. Along with 20 Great Grandchildren!!! Brother George (Shirley) Larson, sisters Carole (Bob) Simonson, Rose Strodtman and Linda (Curt) Kalpin. Celebration of life will be held from 3-6 PM Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 of Menahga, MN with Military Honors being held at 5 PM. Inurnment will be 12:30 PM Friday, September 8, 2017 Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.