Lester V. Larson, 88, died on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 29, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church with Reverend John Golv officiating. Burial will be at the Community Cemetery in St. Hilaire, MN. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 and Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post #2793.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Thursday evening. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Lester Virgil Larson was born on September 20, 1922 in Pennington County, MN the son of Albert and Edith (Erickson) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. The family moved to Karlstad, MN where they built a house and gas station. Lester and his brother, Clifford ran the gas station. Lester graduated from Karlstad High School in 1942.

Following high school he worked on the farm of his uncle, Ernest Erickson until entering into service with the United States Army on December 8, 1943. He was a squad leader, supervised 10 men in movement and supply of ammunition to infantry heavy weapons and anti-tank units. He also acted as a platoon leader of an anti-tank platoon. He taught men to clean, dismantle, assemble and prepare for operation anti-tank guns (57 mm); Lester was experienced under combat conditions in the moving of small-arms ammunition in front-lines areas. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater for 20 months and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Bronze Star. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Lester was Honorably Discharged at Camp McCoy, WI on February 15, 1946. Lester returned to Thief River Falls and worked several jobs including Woolworths, Lampert Lumber, and Thief River Locker Plant.

On February 9, 1957 Lester was united in marriage to Gloria Ann Mickelson at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. To this union four children were born, Curtis, Renee, Coreen and Chris.

In 1954 he began working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He retired as an Office Manager in June of 1984 after 30 years of service. Throughout his life, Lester enjoyed spending time on his small grain and cattle farm in North Township of Pennington County. He enjoyed going for drives after church and eating out with his family. Lester especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He was a member of Oak Ridge Lutheran Church and was currently a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Lester served on several church boards. Lester was also a member of the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Gloria of Thief River Falls; children, Curtis (Marjorie) Larson of Badger, MN, Coreen (Paul) Erickson of Thief River Falls, and Chris Larson of Grand Island, NE; grandchildren, Shane (special friend, Sara) Larson, Nikole (Paul) Baumgartner, Nicholas Davis, Jessica (Billy) Lollar, Christopher (Nichole) Davis, Justine Erickson, Lorie (fianc, Mike) Erickson, David Erickson and McKayla Erickson; great-grandchildren, Landon Baumgartner, Clara Baumgartner and Isabelle Davis; brother, Clifford (Carmen) Larson and brother-in-law, LaVerne (Connie) Hamre; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Renee; parents; and sister, Beverly Hamre.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Phyllis Dalager
SOLOIST: Diane Johnson Homesick & This Is My Fathers World
DUET: Wendy Blazejewski & Craig Swenson Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) & How Great Thou Art Medley
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Lift High The Cross & Battle Hymn Of The Republic
CASKETBEARERS: Mark Larson, John Larson, Kirby Hamre, David Erickson, Shane Larson, Paul Baumgartner