Harlan John Larson

Harlan J. Larson, age 78, of Waseca died peacefully on October 15, 2018 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.


Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM on Friday, October 26, 2018, at Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by the Waseca VFW and American Legion.


Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ McRaith Chapel of Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.


Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic School or Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund (127 S. 2nd Street, Suite 100, Mankato, MN 56001).


Harlan John Larson was born on October 27, 1939, in Waseca to Harvey and Agnes (Mettler) Larson. He grew up in Waseca and received his education at Sacred Heart Catholic School. Following his education, he began working at Madsens Grocery Store in Waseca before being drafted on May 22, 1963, into the United States Army. He proudly served his country until being honorably discharged on May 21, 1969. After being honorably discharged he began working at Waseca High School as a custodian until his retirement in 2001. In 1959, Harlan met Donna Johnson through her aunt who was a good friend of Harlans. They were later united in marriage on October 21, 1961, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They shared 43 years of marriage together before Donna passed away on July 22, 2005.

Harlan had immaculate flower and vegetable gardens that would be showcased in the annual garden walk. He loved traveling, going on bus tours, cruises, and his yearly trip to Mexico. Harlan was a man of few words but was known for his pranks on the school teachers. He was a perfectionist, always tinkering on projects around the home, and decorating his home for holiday parties. Later in life he took up crocheting where he would make afghans and blankets for family members. Although, Harlan was known to stay active he always cherished his Sundays as his day of rest. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Harlan is survived by his sons: Erik of Belle Fourche, SD, Kris of Belle Fourche, SD, Jeff (Angie) of Marshall, and Ross (Chrissy) of Lakeville; grandchildren: Colton, Carley, Calvin, Peyton, Harley, Shelby, Emilie, Audree, and Avery; siblings: Warren (Joann) Larson of Marshall, Carol (Orlo) Evans of Waseca, Ron Larson of Waseca and Fay (Dennis) Malecha of Waseca; special aunt, Alvena Kramer of Waseca; brother-in-law, Ronnie (Mary) Johnson of Sleepy Eye; sisters-in-law: Sue Haala of Sleepy Eye, Shirley (Calvin) Shoen of Springfield and Carol (Steve) Nott of Clements; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother in infancy, Wayne; nephews: Michael Evans and Craig Augustine; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Kenny and Lois Johnson