Donald Larson

Donald Larson March 16, 1938 - January 21, 2009

Donald F. Larson, age 70, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully at Saint Mary''s Hospital in Rochester on January 21, 2009, from multiple organ failure after 12 years as a cancer survivor. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Faribault, United Church of Christ, with Rev. Nancy C. L. Peebles, officiating. Entombment will be at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park Mausoleum in Faribault. Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Donald was born on March 16, 1938 in Huron, S.D. His family moved to Hudson, Canton, Lake Andes, Pierre and back to Huron. He graduated from Huron High School, a BA from Huron College, and MA from St. Thomas College in St. Paul. He was a speech and debate teacher in Kerkhoven and Cokato, MN and a principal in Wheaton, MN. Donald married Diane Kusler in Fredonia, ND in 1965 and life-long education careers started in the Faribault area. As an administrator in the Faribault Schools for 31 years, Donald was an Assistant Jr. High Principal, Assistant Sr. High Principal, Transportation Director, and Alternative School Director. Donald loved working with young people and took great pride in organizing events such as the Prom, Graduation, Student Council projects or track events. He was selected as MN Student Council Advisor of the Year in 1994. Donald provided leadership at the Faribault Elks Club at a Trustee, Exalted Ruler, and was selected Elk of the Year in 1970 and 1981. He was a member to the Eagles Club and the Congregational Church. Donald enjoyed growing huge vegetable gardens and giving away the produce, taking annual Canadian fishing trips, camping, designing and assisting with carpentry projects for friends, and his Labrador dogs. Donald is survived by his wife of 43 years, Diane (Kusler) Larson, sister, Marilyn (Larson) Henry, sister-in-law, Marlys (Kusler) Maasjo, brother-in- law, Gordon and wife Lucy Kusler, three nephews, Corey and (Cindy) Kusler, children Haley and Nathan, Kevin and (Heather) Kusler, Christopher Kusler and children Arryanna and Kaedin. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Velma (Rans- Schmitz) Larson, an infant half-sister, Darlene Schmitz, brother-in law, Robert Henry, in- laws, Raymond and LaVerne (Mayer) Kusler, and sister-in law Betty (Hibbs) Kusler.