Janet Kay Larson, 79, and Vernon Loyd Larson, 82, of Nielsville, MN, both passed away Monday, July 1, 2024. Janet at Sanford Medical Center Broadway, in Fargo, ND, from complications of a recent surgery, and Vernon unexpectedly a few hours later at their rural home.
On the 2nd of December, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA, Walter and Wilma (Hanson) Wigand were blessed with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, Janet Kay, who was the love of their lives.
Jan moved to Crookston with her parents at the age of 4. She was educated in Crookston schools and graduated from Crookston Central High School with the Class of 1962. Jan then attended Beautician School in Thief River Falls.
Vern was born on the 26th of October, 1941, in Halstad, MN, the son of Loyd and Ethel (Mann) Larson. He grew up on the family’s farm near Nielsville with his 4 siblings and graduated from Climax High School with the Class of 1959.
At some point in time, Jan caught the eye of Vern, and the rest was history, as they say. Vern had enlisted in the US Navy on October 22, 1959, and while based in San Diego, CA, served aboard the USS Uhlmann and the USS Algol. Jan joined Vern in California, where they were united in marriage on May 11, 1963, in Pleasant Hill, CA, beginning what would be 61 years of devotion to one another. Following Vern’s honorable discharge on October 11, 1962 they remained in California while Vern was employed by General Motors working alongside his uncle, Darrell Moffett. Vern and Jan loved the outdoors there and enjoyed Jeep rock-climbing and camping by the beautiful lakes and streams. In 1969 Vern’s father fell ill and they were called home so Vern could take over the farming operation. They first settled on the farmstead of his grandparents, Harry and Anne Larson, before eventually moving to Vern’s family farm.
Soon, Scott Vernon and Craig Edward were born, which made their happiness complete. Jan was a loving mom and housewife till the boys got older and then she became a Legal Secretary for the Dickel, Johannson, Wall, Taylor, and Rust Law Firm in Crookston, later joining Camrud, Maddox, Olson and Larson Law Firm in Grand Forks, ND.
Vern decided to retire from farming in April, 1991, and went to Truck Driving School. He then became an over-the-road tucker, delivering goods from St. Louis Missouri to his home base in Minnesota for many years while covering countless miles with lots of long hours. He loved it!
After their retirements, Jan and Vernon purchased a winter home in Weslaco, TX, where they made many friends and Jan became the “Queen” of the shuffleboard tournaments. She was a cook and baker like no other, and what she prepared from her small country kitchen were works of art. Jan’s passion for needle work blossomed into beautiful patchwork quilts. Her stitchery was perfection as she quilted with the ladies of the Climax and Sandhill Churches, and her quilting club in Texas.
Vern was involved with the watershed association and belonged to the NRA. In his younger days woodworking was a favorite pastime. Summers with Jan were spent at their lake place, going on long pontoon rides and taking road trips. Always together, always inseparable. Vern was an avid hunter and lived for hunting season. For him, spending time with his puppies was a perfect way to end the day.
Vern and Jan were truly dedicated to one another, and their shared love and pride for their boys and family was beyond measure. May God richly bless the memories of Vernon Loyd and Janet Kay Larson.
Family members include their two sons, Craig Larson of Grand Forks, ND and Scott Larson of Climax, MN; grandson, Phelen Larson and granddaughter, Maleigha Larson, both of Climax; Vern’s siblings, Bruce Larson of Halstad Living Center and his wife, Kim, of Nielsville, and Connie and Larry Strand of Shelly, MN; and together their nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Jan and Vern are preceded in death by their parents: Walter and Wilma Wigand, Loyd Larson and Ethel Larson Waller, and step-father, Chet Waller; and Vern’s siblings, Brent A. Larson and Karen Ann (Kenneth) Dederick.
The lives of Vernon Loyd and Janet Kay Larson will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the Climax Lutheran Church, Climax, MN, with The Rev. Matt Williams, officiating. Military Honors for Vernon will be provided by the US Navy Funeral Honors Team and Nielsville American Legion Hubbard Post #336. Burial will be in the Sundet Cemetery following lunch. Messages of condolence may be offered to the family by going to their obituary pages at www.stenshoelhouske.com.
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