David Stanley Larsen, age 79, of Prior Lake, passed away on August 21, 2021. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Pastor Laila Barr will preside. Service can be live streamed via Zoom at the following link: David Larsen Funeral (Meeting ID: 881 8374 7191 / Passcode: 188188). Memorials are preferred and will be donated to Second Harvest Heartland in Brooklyn Park and the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota in Dave’s name.
Dave was born on January 6, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa, the oldest son of Stanley and Marie Larsen. The family welcomed Dave’s brother, Steve, before moving to Exira, IA where Dave’s sister, Jan, was born. When Dave was 15 years old the family then moved to Sidney, Montana.
Dave graduated from high school in Sidney, Montana in May of 1960. He attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and graduated in 1964 with degrees in History and Political Science. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force in August of 1964. He was stationed in Minot, ND; Goose Bay Labrador, Canada; and Korat Royal Thai Air Base before his honorable discharge in May of 1968.
After his military service, Dave began a career in public service working for the Government Printing Office and USDA in Washington, D.C.. While residing in Washington, D.C. he met Sheryl Simons, and they were married on September 2, 1972. They had a daughter (Sarah) and moved to Des Moines, IA when she was 2 months old. There they welcomed a son (Todd) to their family and finally settled in Minneapolis, MN. Dave enjoyed traveling, especially when it involved wildlife photography, hiking, camping and being with his family. In addition, Dave relished every opportunity to be involved in his children’s athletic activities and attend their events.
Dave’s deep desire to understand the world was apparent through his reading and connecting with others to discuss a variety of topics including current affairs, historical perspectives and faith. He was an active participant in church life. Dave followed through on his commitments. Whether it was related to work, family, friends, church or an organization, Dave always gave his best effort.
Dave retired from his career with the USDA in 1997. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, wildlife photography, and watching his grandchildren grow and participate in athletics and music.
Grateful for having shared his life are Dave’s wife, Sheryl; children, Sarah (Jayson) Ryner of Nora Springs, IA and Todd (Correne) Larsen of Robbinsdale, MN; grandsons, Jordan and Gavin Ryner and Henry and William Larsen; brother, Steven (Mary) Larsen of Little Elm, TX; sister, Jan (Bob) Bakko of Billings, MT; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Marie Larsen.
Offer Condolence for the family of David S. Larsen
Print Obituary & Condolences
Linda Kramer
I am saddened and shocked about your loss. I am trying to think if I ever met your husband. I am praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. Linda Kramer
Gail Fields
Sheryl and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss!!! I know Dave’s death will leave a great hole in all of your hearts. my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May God bring you peace and love.
Your friend in Christ,
Gail Fields
Philip L. Dynneson
David (Parson) was my roommate my Freshman year at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. He was ready for collage and I wasn’t. He studied Danish for his language requirement and washed dishes in the dining room where he was very quick at sorting out dishes before going through the machine. David was as kind and sincere a person as few could match. We are in shock at his sudden passing. Philip and Ruby Dynneson
Betty J Erlandsen
To the Family of David Larsen
My sincere sympathy at your loss; I knew Dave as the pastors son at Pella Lutheran in Sidney , Montana. We were in Luther League activities together. He was a class act. I was fortunate to meet for breakfast with he and his wife in Chanhassan,
I would love to attend the funeral , especially to see Steve and Jan, but my children will all be here visiting for the weekend. I will be there in spirit and hope I can watch the celebration of Dave on line.
Betty Joslin Erlandsen
Gloria Kubly
Dear Sheryl and family – So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We have missed you both at First Lutheran. You were both such a big part of the First family. May you all find comfort and peace in your Lord and Savior.
God bless, Gloria Kubly
David Dynneson
I can only echo brother Philip’s note above. Parson was also my Apartment mate in Denver when we both had left the service and were looking for work. He ended up going to DC….I went to Kansas. He visited us several times thru the years and we stayed close. I will miss him terribly, and never forget him. May God and His angels comfort Sheryl and family.
Roger Kastel
The Larsen Family.
Karin and I are so sorry for your loss.
Kay Leeman Dickson
Sorry to learn of the passing of Dave! It’s been years since we’ve seen you all! Always enjoyed the times. May God comfort and give you strength and peace in the coming days! God Bless!
Don Dynneson
I will never forget his smile and kindly ways. He was a true blessing for us rowdy Montana guys there at Dana.
Ryan Wagner
Dave was a wonderful man, may his memory be a blessing for all who knew him.
Jill/Gary Miedema
Gary and I are sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with him at the USDA downtown Mpls. He was a very sincere person who was really interested in helping others. We were active in the Park Center Marching Band fundraisers with Dave. It was great to be at the stadium working a concession stand during the World Series in 1991 with him. Condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Bernice C Mason
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of David. I was in activities with him as we were involved in the life of Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney and graduated together with the Class of ’60. I have been able to keep up with the activities of teh family with Jan here in Billings. Again, sorry to hear about his sudden passing and am sending prayers and specisl wishes to his family.
Bernnice Sorensen Mason
John and Lyn Tollackson
Lyn and I are so sorry for your loss. David was a real great person with a big smile. We played badminton next to his house and when he beat me, I would see that smile, I remember it well. Your family has lost a special person, he will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace my friend
Carolyn Engquist
Oh, Sheryl,
I was so very very sorry to get the news of David’s passing. My heart is breaking for you. Please be in touch if we can help in any way.
Roger L Thompson
We offer our deepest sympathies to Cheryl and family, for the loss of a wonderful man and friend. We certainly enjoyed all the time we spent with both Dave and Cheryl over the years, watching our sons grow up together. Wishing you peace and health. Love, Chris & Roger Thompson
John enstad
I am so sorry to hear about daves passing. In our sollc studies I always enjoyed his thoughtful comments. My prayers are with the family .
Bradley D. Gulstad
My deepest condolences go out to Sheryl and family. I came to know Dave through Shepherd’s Birding and enjoyed many birding outings with Dave and Sheryl. Dave’s insight and enthusiasm in the group was always appreciated, and too, conversations over coffee between services and meeting children and grandchildren was always a joy.
Gods peace,
Brad
Ellen Posadas
Dear Sheryl and Family, we were saddened to hear of David’s sudden death. This morning we joined you for David’s memorial service. Thank you for that opportunity. May God give all of you the comfort of salvation in
Christ.
Ellen and Brasdley Posadas
Dennis Jacobson
Sheryl and family, we were so sorry to hear of David’s death. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dennis and Joan Jacobson
Gregory Brower
To all of David’s family I sincerely offer my condolences and heartfelt sorrow to learn of his passing. The GPO family is a tight knit outfit and we miss those who have gone before us. Take care & stay safe.