Archived Services

Harold Larson Jr.
08-23-2014

Harold Larson Jr., age 65, of Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 23. He was born on September 8, 1948, to Harold and Ruth (Ofstedal) Larson in Crookston MN. Harold was baptized and confirmed at Little Norway Lutheran Church, rural Fertile MN. He attended Fertile High School and was involved with the choir, band, and played tennis and football.

He started his Education degree at Moorhead State University, Moorhead MN, in 1966, but this course was interrupted with the Army draft in 1968. Before leaving for his service in the Army, he married Sherry Mosher on April 6, 1968. Harold was stationed in Germany and Sherry joined him during this time. Upon return from the service, Harold completed his Education and History degree and graduated in 1973.

Harold and Sherry had two children and he was an active father, participating in many activities. The couple moved to Sioux Falls in 1974. Harold worked for the City of Sioux Falls for 36 years in the Parts Department, retiring in May 2013. He took an active role in the local labor union and served as an officer for several years. Harold participated in the annual Sioux Falls City Employees Walleye Classic tournament in Chamberlin SD for many years.

Harold enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing. He started at an early age catching fish with his dad and continued with his friends, children, and grandchildren. He spent countless hours sorting and preparing tackle boxes for the next fishing trip. Harold loved to work on cars, motorcycles, boats, and basically anything mechanical, which he learned from his father growing up on a farm.

Harold was an avid gardener, planting many varieties of plants and vegetables at his home as well as his offsite garden In Rowena. He often shared his produce and planted flowers with friends and neighbors. He utilized a tiller to boost his gardening potential and began tilling gardens for many people. 

Harold had a broad sense of humor and liked watching movies including Airplane, Animal House, and all things Monty Python or Leslie Nielsen to name a few. Harold contributed to many charitable organizations. Harold enjoyed history, his favorite historic topics were the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and ancient religious history. He did have several occasions to travel to Civil War battlefields. 

Music was very important to Harold. The tuba was his instrument of choice which contributed to his favorite styles of music. Polka and classical were his mainstay as well as such artists including CCR, the Beatles, and the Doors. His love of music was shared by his wife and was passed along to both of their children.

Harold cherished spending time with his friends and family. He was blessed with two grandsons that gave him great joy.   

Harold and Sherry were happy to celebrate their 46th anniversary last April. A slide show from their 45th Wedding Anniversary can be viewed at http://76.162.52.196/videos/Harold.m4v          

 Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Sherry (Mosher), children Jennifer Larson of Kansas City, Mitchell Larson of Sioux Falls; grandchildren Robert and David; parents, Harold and Ruth Larson, Fertile MN; three sisters: Virginia (Deane) Radke, Fertile, MN; Linda (David) Black, Fertile, MN; Jeanette Larson, St. Paul, MN; and many other relatives and friends. Harold is preceded in death by his sister, Regina Larson.

The family has requested that memorials be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: www.pancan.org or Hilltop United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on Wednesday at Hilltop United Methodist Church. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the church.