David (Dave) A. Larson of Newfolden, MN passed away peacefully at the age of 61 years at HIA Hospice (Heather’s House) in Fargo, ND, on April 3, 2026 at 4:30 in the afternoon. His life was cut short, but he lived it “wide open,” as he would say, making the most of every moment he had.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday at Johnson Funeral Service.

Dave was born on July 18, 1964 at Hennepin County Medical Center to Lloyd and Donnis (Bolstad) Larson. He lived in the Minneapolis area until 1966 when he moved with his family to New Maine Township in rural Newfolden. Dave graduated from Marshall County Central School in Newfolden and went on to become a Welding Inspector by trade. He was also a New Maine Township Supervisor, drove beet truck during harvest season, and operated his own cattle ranch just as his father did before him.

He valued the old way of life and was passionate about preserving his ancestors' traditions and heritage. He would tell stories about how the family came to settle in New Maine Township, the adventures they had, and how important it was to stay in touch with our ancestry. In keeping with this outlook, he enjoyed listening to old classic country music and classic rock, as well as watching John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke.

Dave enjoyed being outdoors doing one of his greatest passions in life - hunting. He was an avid and skilled hunter, and some of his fondest memories growing up were when the family would gather for deer season. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to hunt and the importance of gathering at the table at the end of the night to tell hunting stories and reminisce about times past.

Another one of his great enjoyments and accomplishments was raising Hereford cattle with his cattle dog, Balto. He affectionately named one of the calves from each calving season Blondie, after his first Hereford calf that he would ride around the pasture when he was a young boy.

Spending time with his children and grandchildren was the highlight of his life. He imparted a wealth of wisdom and life lessons that will never be forgotten. His carefree attitude and sense of humor will always be remembered, though never matched.

He was a great man who valued the importance of being stoic, honorable, and respectful. He wore leather jackets that gave him notoriety and he carried himself with natural charisma that earned him a lot of respect and even more friends.

Dave is survived by his two children: Jacob (Tricia) Larson of Felton, MN, and Vanessa Prose of Hawley, MN; five grandchildren: Tucker and Tatum Larson, and Noah, Lauren, and Holly Prose; his siblings: Nancy (Alan) Molstad of Grand Forks, ND, Robert (Marcy) Larson of Mosinee, WI, Bryan Larson of Newfolden, MN, Ellen Latta of Newfolden, MN, Dawn (Luke) Englund of Karlstad, MN, and Darren (Kari) Larson of Newfolden, MN; and his nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Donnis Larson, his brother Larry Larson, and his niece Kimmy Latta.

In the best way possible, remember Dave through his wonderful and adventurous stories. Keep his memory alive by honoring him as he honored his ancestors - by sharing stories filled with love, laughter, and, most importantly, humor. Now quit that cryin'! Ramble On!