R. John Larson, 78, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Paynesville Lutheran Church, Paynesville. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date. www.hafh.org.
 Born on November 7, 1945, in Willmar to the late Walter and Esther (Peterson) Larson, John grew up in Grove City, where he attended school and graduated from Grove City High School in 1963.
 On February 2, 1963, John married Marcia Piepenburg in Grove City. The couple lived in Atwater from 1964 to 1990, before moving to their beloved home on Lake Koronis near Paynesville where they resided until 2022. They then relocated to Paynesville.
 John worked as a pipefitter for Holm Brothers for 15 years before starting his own business, American Industrial Refrigeration. John’s work family held a special place in his heart. He loved recalling the various work events such as fishing trips, Christmas parties, birthday celebrations, and just lunch time chatter.
 In his younger years, John served as president of Luther League at Trinity Lutheran Church and helped maintain the cemetery grounds. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying snowmobiling and four-wheeling with family and friends. After retiring in 2004, John and Marcia spent their summers at Lake Koronis, where he took pride in maintaining their beautiful lake property, and winters in Arizona. He loved hosting gatherings on Lake Koronis. Making sure everyone was having fun was an important focus for him.
 John was currently a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church where he continued his lifelong commitment to faith and community. He will be remembered for his generosity, dedication to his work, and his care for others.
 He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marcia; children: Stacey (Rich) Junghans of Stillwater, Kristen (Blaine) Larson Dumke of Victoria, and David Larson of Paynesville; six grandchildren; and his brother, Dan (Alice) Larson of Baxter, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Esther, his sisters Judy Christenson and Sandy Larson, and three infant siblings.
 If you wish to make a memorial in John’s name, please direct them to: CentraCare Foundation / Hospice, 1406 Sixth Avenue North, St. Cloud, MN 56303 or online at CentraCare Hospice Services.