Rev. Philip Martin Larsen passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 24, 2025, two years after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. He lived each day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love.
Phil was born November 6, 1960 in Windom, MN to Rev. Martin and Marguerite Larsen. The Larsen family moved many times during Phil’s childhood, with stays in Windom, Minnesota, Moscow, Idaho, and Seattle, Washington. During this time, having been handed down the gift of music from both of his parents, Phil was heavily involved in music and theater, including winning ‘Washington’s Best Baritone’ in 1978.
After graduating from Shorewood High School and spending two years at the Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) in Seattle, Phil earned his bachelor’s degree in theology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He then earned his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA, and completed his internship in New Amsterdam, Guyana.
He married his best friend, Darcey, in June of 1991, in Staples, MN. Their devotion of more than 33 years to each other was grounded in love and laughter. Through their marriage, Phil and Darcey were blessed with three sons: Matthew, Andrew, and John.
He served parishes in Hoople and Grafton, ND, Kindred and Davenport, ND, Walker, MN, Brandon, SD, before finishing his ministry in Fertile, MN with the United in Christ Lutheran Parish.
Phil lived his life by following closely Jesus’ lessons of grace, forgiveness, and love. These lessons endure in each person that Phil had the pleasure of meeting. At his core, Phil believed that everyone had the capacity to do good.
Phil’s greatest joy in this world was family. Phil was most happy when captaining the Larsen pontoon with family and friends on board. He loved traveling the world, cheering on the F-B Falcons, and sharing in the joy of fellowship. He was often found around the piano, ready at a moment’s notice to lead all who were near in song. He loved to sing, and would share this gift during worship, at Fertile-Beltrami sporting events, and with the Fargo-Moorhead Master Chorale. He cherished the opportunity to sing the Lord’s Prayer, baptismal blessings, and at bedsides, to all those in need of comfort.
The kindness and faith that Phil showed lives on in his wife Darcey, sons Matthew, Andrew (Heidi), and John, his five siblings, Grace (John) Bent, Gloria (Albert) Imamura, Debra (Leland) Bottjen, Tim (Cristy) Larsen, Mary Beth (David) Sutherland, in-laws Sonja Nefstead, Kari and Scott Christiansen, Eric Nefstead and David Priest, nieces and nephews Sarah, Abby, Annika, Erika, Joshua, Jacob, and Kjersten, and fellow pastor and trusted friend, Dan Morton.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Marguerite, his father-in-law, Melvin Nefstead, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest legacy lives on in each of us, as we practice grace, kindness, generosity, love, and sharing our faith with one another.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Phil to the United in Christ Lutheran Parish, the Fertile Fire Department, Polk County EMS, and Brains Together, an organization dedicated to providing resources, information and a sense of belonging to individuals and their loved ones affected by brain tumors.
The Larsen family would like to thank Mayo Clinic, Roger Maris Cancer Center, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and Polk County EMS for the tremendous care they provided to Phil and his family.
Finally, the Larsen Family would like to thank the United in Christ Lutheran Parish, and the communities of Fertile, Beltrami, and Rindahl, for calling Phil to serve, and accepting the Larsen family as one of their own.
May God bless the memory of Pastor Phil Larsen. Thanks be to God.
Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, January 31, 2025 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue one hour before the Celebration Service on Saturday.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home of Fertile, Minnesota
