Orville Roland Larson fell asleep into Jesus’s arms on May 20, 2022 at the Littlefork Care Center. Orville, age 87 was born in Roseau, MN 12/10/1934 to Oscar and Edith (Mattson) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed in his Christian faith at St. Paul Lutheran in International Falls. Orville was blessed to find the love of his life Leona and was joined in Holy Matrimony to Leona L. (Johnson) Larson on 8/22/1959.
Orville and Leona were blessed with four children Allen Orville Larson (deceased), Debra Larson of International Falls, Roland (Shirley) Larson of Mora, MN and Sandra (Brad) Johnson of Lake Suzy, Florida. They were always excited to visit their children, 4 grandchildren and the 5 great grandchildren with much admiration.
Orville was a middle child of 11 growing up at the end of the great depression on the family farmstead in the Malung and Falun townships of Roseau County. He graduated from Roseau High School in 1953 and enlisted in the Army until he was honorably discharged in 1963. During this time, he became employed by Boise Cascade and worked as a supervisor in the finishing department until retiring in 1994.
Orville believed and lived that every day was good whether home, work or play. He strived to do good while he lived. He would greet all with a howdy or goddag (good day), a wave or handshake. He made time with others through the Swedish tradition of coffee (fika). A good life and happiness for Orv was helping family, friends, neighbors and church. Orv. was willing to help with whatever needed doing with a good sense of humor, knowledge and a hammer in his hand. One of his favorite hobbies was to witch water wells for folks in the community and enjoyed a good game horseshoes with family and friends.
Leona and Orville love to dance at the halls and square dance in their younger years. They enjoyed traveling to new places and rarely missed the fellowship of family reunions. They enjoyed their hunting cabin in their waning years but constructing something was always in the works for Orv. Orville loved nature around him and his activities involved farming, logging, hunting, camping and fishing with friends and family. Orville’s adventurous nature was a true test of love for Leona when he told the tales of his adventure after the fact. His favorite times of the day would be fishing at sunrise and sunset, siesta and communing with his Lord and his beauty. When Orville entered a room he entered with gusto, gave a few teases to raise spirits and grin happiness.
Orville believed in his Lord Jesus and to greet all with warm friendship.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Leona L. Larson; infant son, Allan Orville Larson; sisters, Fern (Wendel) Hamerel, Norma (Dean) Thompson, Lyla (Byron) Johnson; brothers, Eugene, Lester, Donald and Dan Larson.
Orville is survived by his siblings: Milo and Kay Larson of International Falls, Loretta Grothe of Austoria, OR, Linda Westeen of Leesville, LA and sister in laws Eileen Johnson of IF, Darlene Johnson of Yakima, WA.Four grandchildren, Jessica (John) Heinrich of Anoka, MN, Jordan (Tim) Meer of Champlin, MN, Jacob Larson of Mora, MN, Courtney (Brandon) Gentry of International Falls; Five great-grandchildren: Chloe, Jude and Reagan Heinrich, and Lilly & Avaya Meer.
He will be missed by many beloved family members in the extended family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church (1324 9th St. Int’l Falls, MN 5664)9 with Rev. J. Quast officiating. Visitation one hour prior with luncheon to follow the service.
Interment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.
If so desired, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
