Leonard Larson, 86, died Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at Oakland Park Nursing Home, Thief River Falls, MN

Leonard Anton Larson was born October 27, 1917 in Viking, Minnesota, the son of John and Emma (Anderson) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian Faith. He grew up and attended Viking country school.

On October 18, 1941 Leonard was united in marriage to Alice Ione Sorenson in Viking, MN. Alice and Leonard lived in Duluth, MN a short time before he went into service. On August 9, 1942, he entered the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged on November 15, 1945. He participated in battles and campaigns at Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Ardennes, where he earned his Silver Battle Star. When he returned from the Army the couple made their home in Viking, except for one year, when they lived in Kelso, WA. Leonard was a carpenter and farmed his entire life. He took pride in his work and was a very hard worker. Alice died on November 23, 1981 and Leonard continued to live in Viking, until he moved into Valley Home, December of 2000. He moved to Oakland Park, February of 2004.

Dad was a loving, kind and gentle man who was always there for his family and friends. He touched the lives of many people with his love, wit, sense of humor and his steadfast, unwavering faith in God. He enjoyed reading (especially his Bible), antiques, gardening, going to auction sales and sharing stories of early family history of days gone by. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and always had a treat waiting for them.

Leonard is survived by one son; Bruce Larson and his wife Doreen, Thief River Falls, MN; two daughters: Kay Maidment and her husband Keith, Thief River Falls, MN and Paulette Grindeland and her husband Thales, Thief River Falls, MN; eight grandchildren: Kristy (Jon) Bigalk, Kim (Russ) Bollesen, Darrin Grindeland (special friend, Carol Bray), Wade (Denae) Grindeland, Heath Larson, Sarah Larson, Jonathan Larson and Cody Larson; seven great grandchildren: Chandler Grindeland, Rachel, Andrew, Katrina, and Christopher Bigalk and Keigan and Maxwell Bollesen; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wife, Alice; parents; sisters: Annie Gustafson, Esther Tangquist, Mae Osborne, Helen Johnson and Hilda Larson; brothers: Oscar Larson, Carl Larson, Lester Larson and Alfred Larson. Leonard is the last of ten children born to Emma and John Larson.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.net