Eugene “Gene” Loring Larson, 88, passed away peacefully on his farm after a long, fulfilled life on March 11, 2024. He was born on October 29, 1935 to Loring Orlando Larson and Marian Calista Jane Mortensen.
He attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1953. He married and was faithful to his wife, Audrey Hemingway, for 60 years (December 21, 1963). Together, they raised their three children, Sheila, Sonja, and Nathan, on their farm located in Ellendale, MN.
Eugene was a dedicated farmer, devoted follower of Christ, dog lover, grandparent, father, brother, and friend. In his younger years, he spent his time raising beef cattle, milking dairy cows, roller skating, bowling and selling Pioneer seed corn. He loved being an auctioneer at fall bazaar as well as attending auctions, taking their pickup camper on family trips, playing cards and dominoes, and chewing his Doublemint gum both day & night. He enjoyed good food, especially bread pudding or a strong cup of black coffee paired with a cookie to dunk in it and spending time with his close friends and family. He served on the Soybean, Farm Bureau & Lemond Township boards. He was an active member of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church serving in roles from Elder to President. In his later years, he attended Hope Lutheran Church. Anyone who had the opportunity to know Eugene knew he loved to talk and didn’t want to miss out on any social event.
Eugene’s well-known saying was, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” This saying defined his character; he took on any challenge that was thrown his way and was resilient. With a sparkle in his bright blue eyes and loud presence, Eugene made himself known and is loved beyond measure.
Thank you to all of his caregivers. You definitely earned your "angel" wings.
Eugene is survived by his wife, Audrey Larson; sister, Janet Neumann; three children: Sheila (Mike) Treece, Sonja (Luke) Thurnau, and Nathan (Karen) Larson; nine grandchildren: Aaron (Jordyn) Treece, Megan Treece, Alyssa Treece, Madison Thurnau (Lucas Donkers), Landon Thurnau (Skyler Eaton), Evan Larson, Kinsley Larson, Sophie Woodfill, and Rorie Woodfill; and one great grandchild, Legend Thurnau. He is preceded in death by his parents, Loring and Marian Larson and brother-in-law, Virgil Neumann.
Funeral will be held on March 22 at 4 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Hope, MN with a visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment at the Pontoppidan Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to Minnesota Teen Challenge or Hope Lutheran Church.