Walt Larson

Walter Glesne Larson, son of Walter W. and Cora (Glesne) Larson, was born March 5, 1927 in Starbuck, Minnesota, where he was baptized and confirmed at Fron Lutheran Church. Walt received his schooling in Starbuck, graduating in 1945 from Starbuck High School. On March 27, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Japan, where he also played in the division band. Following his discharge in 1947, Walt attended St. Olaf College, in the pre-dentistry program. After two years he was admitted to the University of Minnesota Dental School, but became disillusioned and returned to St. Olaf to major in chemistry and biology and minor in physics, social studies and education. On November 13, 1948, he was united in marriage to Shirley Hanson. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Staples, MN, where Walt taught for five years. He continued his education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where he earned his masters degree. He then returned to Staples, teaching for one more year. In 1960, Walt began teaching at St. Cloud State University (SCSU), where he taught human biology and science methods courses to elementary and secondary teaching students. In 1965, Walt and Shirley moved their family to Roseville, where Walt served as executive director of the Minnesota Academy of Science for two years. In 1967, they returned to St. Cloud, where Walt became the Director of Career Planning and Placement at SCSU. While at SCSU, the other positions he held were, faculty association president, faculty senate member, SCSU Foundation Board, president-elect of the Inter Faculty Organization of the seven state colleges and interim vice-president for one year. Walt retired from teaching in 1992 and continued living at Lake Linka until 2008, when he and Shirley moved into Starbuck.

Walt was a member of Chippewa Lutheran Church in Terrace, MN, where he served on the church council. He was a member of the Starbuck VFW, serving as State Commander in 2005-2006 and presently serving as Cooties State Commander. He was also a member of the Starbuck Lions, Terrace Sportsman’s Association, Glenwood Mason, Pope County COLA, the Brang Foundation in Starbuck, the Depot Society and the Pope County Men’s Choir. He served on the board for Teacher of the Year. For 62 years, Walt was active in the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Silver Beaver Award and also the Lamb award from the Catholic Church. Walt’s daily planner was filled with community work. He loved to go to meetings. His motto was “Keeping The Faith” and to always have a better campsite and to him that meant Community Service.

Walter died on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He had lived to reach the age of 82 years.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley Larson of Starbuck; three daughters: Ingrid (Gary) Engebretson of Eagan, Sheryl (Tom) Kost of Lindstrom and Heidi (Peter) Vreeland of St. Cloud; one son: Jonathan (Cecelia) Larson of Alexandria; eight grandchildren: Cami, Ashley and Logan Kost, David and Aaron Vreeland and Alex, Caitlin and Ben Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers for the service are Walter’s grandchildren: Cami Kost, Ashley Kost, Logan Kost, David Vreeland, Aaron Vreeland, Alex Larson, Caitlin Larson and Ben Larson. Honorary pallbearers are the Starbuck VFW members, Starbuck Lions Club and the Glenwood Masons. Shari Opdahl will serve as organist for the service with Lanny Barsness serving as soloist and the Pope County Men’s Choir providing special music. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.