Roger W. Larson

Memorial services for Roger Larson of Starbuck, MN will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck. Visitation will be Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Starbuck Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior at the church on Friday. Burial will be at a later date in Fron Cemetery, rural Starbuck.

Roger Wayne Larson, son of Earl and Evelyn Larson, was born in Springfield, Ohio, on February 15, 1944. At the age of two years, Roger and his family moved to Starbuck, MN, the hometown of his father, Earl, and his grandparents, Emil and Gina Larson. Roger was baptized on June 30, 1944, in Winger, MN, birthplace of his mother, Evelyn. He was confirmed in 1958 at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck, MN. Roger was a lifetime member of Fron, the church his grandfather designed and helped build. 

Roger received his education, Grades 1-12, in Starbuck. He was a Starbuck Buck and proud of it. He continued with his education at Moorhead State University achieving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (Industrial Arts and Physical Education) in 1972. After graduating from high school, his college education was delayed by the draft. This was during the VietNam War. Roger was drafted into the United States Army on June 25, 1968. He served at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, Kentucky, as a tanker, and eventually received orders to serve at Camp Kaiser, Korea. Roger achieved the rank of E-5 in the 7th Infantry Division, 8th Army. He received an Honor Certificate for successfully completing the 7th Infantry Division Chemical and Biological Operations and Nuclear Warfare School. During his service in Korea, he also served as a clerk.

 After returning from Korea in June, 1970, Roger married Grace Knutson at Fron Lutheran Church on July 18, 1970. Settling in Starbuck, Roger and Grace began their life together. Roger joined his father in the Starbuck Cement Products business as the Factory Supervisor. He later became Plant Manager at the Cement Products screening plant, which led to his excavation of amazing prehistoric artifacts, and a love of rocks. 

Together, Roger and Grace, raised 3 children, Douglas, Kara, and Greg. Roger was a dedicated dad, who didn’t miss an event. He traveled far and wide to watch his son, Greg, in football and basketball as Greg attended the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in Faribault. Kara and Doug recall many trips to Faribault with their dad and mom, singing 60’s Oldies to and from, even in snow storms. Roger also went on road trips with Kara as she started new jobs. Trips cross country to Seattle and southeast to Virginia brought so many happy times. In his later years, he was a very proud Grandpa, following his grandchildren in their school activities. 

Roger also co-owned the Star Lanes Bowling Alley with his brother, Darryl. Bowling became a huge part of three generations of Larsons. Everyone helped in the small business including the kids. Many family celebrations were held at Star Lanes.

Roger’s many services to the community of Starbuck included coaching Little League, Starbuck Volunteer Fire Department (20 years of service including Fire Chief), Fron Lutheran Church Council member, American Legion Commander, Starbuck VFW member (VFW Chairman of Club Committee, Senior Vice, Honor Guard, emcee for Starbuck Memorial Day Program and Veteran’s Day), member of the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Starbuck Who, a singing group which performed at many community events. Roger’s love for his country was continuously shown through his dedicated volunteer service. He often had tears at the Memorial Day Service as he read the list of those who had served. His Facebook posts honored the bravery and courage of all those who have served or are currently serving.

Later in life, Roger had a great desire to find his fellow comrades whom he had served with in Korea. As a result of this interest, Roger and Grace joined the Brotherhood of U.S. Army Veterans Association. This interest led to the joy of traveling throughout the United States and attending many gatherings at various bases throughout the country. Reconnecting with his Korean veterans brought him much fulfillment.

As an avid sportsman, Roger taught his children and his grandchildren to respect and enjoy the world God has given us. He enjoyed many hours in the great outdoors. His latest adventures were in Texas hunting wild hogs. Just the other day, he posted about the wonderful bacon he had for breakfast, which came from his hunt in Texas.

Keeping busy after retirement was important to Roger. He began a creative endeavor in jewelry making, tumbling his own stones. He created many beautiful pieces. He also accomplished the use of a 3D printer, burning a variety of coasters with U.S. Military emblems and making golf ball markers.

Above all, Roger loved his family. Roger is survived by his wife, Grace, and his children, Douglas of Glenwood, MN, Kara of Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, and Greg of Mound, MN; one brother, Darryl (Marilyn) of Starbuck, MN; brothers-in-law, Daniel (Diane) Knutson of Sauk Centre, MN, Karl (Sandy) Knutson of Hartford, WI, Rick Anderson of Glenwood, MN, and Karl (Sandy) of Hartford, WI: one uncle, Donald Halvorson of Brooklyn Center, MN; 2 grandchildren, Riley and Ella; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Evelyn Larson, and sister-in-law Susan Anderson.

Roger died Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at his home in Starbuck. He was 80 years old.

The family of Roger Larson would like to express their sincere thanks for the prayers, kindness, generosity, and love shown to them during this time.

Starbuck Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements for Roger.