Elmer Larson, 89, died Wednesday October 10, 2012 at McIntosh Senior Living, McIntosh, MN. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Monday October 15, 2012 at Salem Lutheran Church, Oklee, MN with Reverend Margaret Jacobus Officiating. Burial will be at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery, Oklee. Visitation will be 5 - 7 PM, Sunday October 14, 2012 at Johnson Funeral Service, Oklee, MN with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Monday. Elmer Larson was born May 6, 1923 at home, on the family farm in Equality Township, Red Lake County, MN, the son of Thor and Engeborg (Nereson) Larson. Elmer was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church, where he became a lifetime member. He grew up in the Oklee area and attended the rural Sunnyside School. At 19 years old, he was drafted into the United States Army on October 24, 1944 and served during World War II in Germany. He was wounded in action and earned the Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge on August 4, 1946, he worked in a tractor manufacturing plant in Milwaukee, WI, as farm laborer in the Grafton, ND area and as an employee in the sugar beet plant in East Grand Forks, MN. Since he had a love for farming, he purchased a farm north of Oklee, MN and was engaged in farming until his retirement. Elmer loved his country and always flew the flag. He loved neatness, a clean house, and always maintained a groomed yard. He loved to socialize, shaking dice at the café for coffee, and had a great sense of humor. He liked to tease the nieces and nephews and play pranks. He had a passion for Buick cars. When visitors came to his house, Elmer always made lunch and coffee. He also was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He is survived by sisters: Bertine Swanson, Thief River Falls, MN and Thea Howe, Eagen, MN along with several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Lars, Tarjei and Henry; sisters: Mabel Moe, Clara Wardner and Hilda Linder. ORGANIST: Marian Marquis SOLOIST: Erica Larson SELECTIONS: "Jesus Loves Me" and "On Eagles Wings" CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace" CASKETBEARERS: Einar Kvasager, Dennis Linder, Dennis McGeary, Eddie Larson, Duane Swanson, Jarold Wardner. MILITARY HONORS: Oklee Military Honor Guard & MN National Funeral Honor Guard