Leland Bernell Larson, age 85
Published 8:55 am Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Leland Bernell Larson, age 85 of Austin, died Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Leland Larson
He was born December 27th, 1924, to George and Betsy (Bakken) Larson in Northwood, Iowa where Lee grew up on a farm. After graduation from high school, he moved to Vallejo, California where he worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He married Priscilla Jane “Sally” Louden on May 8th, 1946 in Northwood, Iowa. Lee served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea as an electrician. When he was honorably discharged from the military with the rank of Sergeant, he and Sally moved to Chicago, Illinois where Lee attended Coyne Electrical School. After he received his Electrican’s Degree, he and Sally moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota. Lee was employed by Jewels Radio & Appliance. In 1953, they took up residence in Austin where Lee gained employment with Geo. A. Hormel & Company. He retired after more than 30 years of service. Lee operated “Lee’s Radio Repair” in the basement of their house for many years. He was president of the Citizen Band Radio Club of Austin where he had a bill passed in the Minnesota State Legislature for which CB radio users could have their CB Radio call letters on their license plates. Lee was an active member of the Sons of Norway, Holy Cross Lutheran Church and St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Lee and Sally enjoyed square dancing, motorcycle riding, camping and traveling. They visited 50 states and 11 countries while visiting their four sons and their families. Sally passed away in 2006. Lee was on the initial World War II Honor Flight from Lacrosse, Wisconsin, to Washington D.C. to see the World War II Monument.
Lee suffered many difficulties — Polio as a child (his sister died from it), blindness from an accident at work they thought would be permanent, rheumatic fever and removal of 80% of his stomach because of ulcers. In spite of this, he maintained a positive attitude and unconditional love for everyone. Lee will be remembered for his willingness to volunteer, his love for his family and the ability to repair anything.
Survivors include his four sons, Larry Larson of Los Angeles, California; Keith (Sharon) Larson, of Denver, Colorado; Paul (Andrea) of St. George, Utah and James Larson of Caledonia; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers, Ray (Lois) Larson of Emmons, Roy (Margaret) Larson of Pine Island. He was preceded in death by his wife Priscilla “Sally” Larson and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 20, 2010 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Kristi Koppel officiating. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home of Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery in Austin with military rites by American Legion Post 91. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com