Lester Larson

Lester Larson Jr, 76, passed away on Sunday, May 21 after a courageous 7 year battle with Leukemia.

Lester was born April 5, 1941 in Jamestown, ND. He was the son of Lester Larson Sr. and Ardena Geigle-Larson- Sund. Lester graduated from Cleveland High School, then attended Wahpeton College.

After graduating college in 1961, he joined the army as a paratrooper in the 101st Division, where he was stationed in Okinawa. After serving one year, Les returned home at the early age of 20 due to a medical hardship by the sudden passing of his father, Lester Sr. A short while later, Lester married the love of his life, Sharon Lee in June 1962. It was all “heaven after that”! Together, Les and Sharon farmed the original homestead of his grandfather while having 5 children along the way – Rob, Chris, Curt, Jeff, and KaSaundra. As a family, they farmed the land, calved the range cattle, cleaned quonsets’ and machinery – sometimes which seemed like hours on end. Les was a perfectionist – the cleanliness of his machinery/buildings meant the world to him. Oh, we almost forgot, they managed to milk cows in all their “free time”. He was the proudest dad if all the fields were dug “straight as an arrow”….he knew we were paying attention then……Let’s not forget, the endless loads of hay that Les would haul into the late night for his neighbors. He was always there for his neighbors - whether it was just asking a simple farm question or lending a helping hand; his neighbors were the world to him as well.

He enjoyed life to the fullest and he made every day a good day. He was a loving father, spouse, brother, grandpa and great grandpa. His love of farming lasted until his last breath. “Let’s talk farming,” he would say. His love of his Cat and John Deere tractors kept him going; he even felt a bit better if you could “throw in a little Elvis music in “once in a while”! One of his most memorable sayings was “Work hard, play hard” – and he did just that. Even in some of his tougher moments – he always found the positive in the situation and gave us the “thumbs up”.

Lester and Sharon loved to travel. They would take a month “maybe” in the winter to enjoy the sunshine at their home in Palms Springs. Lester loved his family and visiting with complete strangers. No matter where he would travel, he would always run into someone he knew. He would look forward to the days he would have all of his “kids” home at the same time. His grandchildren were a very special part of his life. He enjoyed spending many hours in the tractor and combine with them. He loved his coffee and sweets; especially with “Skippy” his dog on the chair beside him every day.

Lester was active on the Methodist church board in Cleveland. He also served on the ASCS, FHA board both in Jamestown and the Gackle Elevator.

Lester is survived by his wife Sharon, Sons: Robin (Barb) Larson , Chris (Deonn) Larson, Curt (Michelle) Larson –all from Cleveland, ND, Jeff (Dori) Larson- Spring Creek, NV, Daughter KaSaundra (John) Olstad-Moorhead, MN. Brothers: Terry (Bonnie) Larson-Fruita, CO, Bill (Darlene) Larson-Milnor, ND, Sisters Marge(John) Vandeberghe- Cleveland ND, Janice (Larry) Haagenson-Loveland CO, Debbie Johnsen –Grand Forks, ND, 12 wonderful grandchildren, one great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, stepfather Oliver Sund, and brother in law Art Johnsen

Funeral service: 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 25 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jamestown, ND. Visitation will be 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Wednesday at Eddy Funeral Chapel with a prayer service at 7:30 PM at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Cleveland Cemetery.

Online guest book: www.eddyfuneralhome.com

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