Obituary of Elmer Larsen

A funeral for Elmer Larsen, age 87, of Lake Park, will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 10:30am at Concordia Lutheran Church in Lake Park. Burial will be at Silver Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 after 5:00pm with the family present from 5:00-7:00pm at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Lake Park. Elmer Seigurd Larsen was born March 27, 1928 in Mankato, MN to John and Katrine (Nielsen) Larsen. He grew up on the family farm near Brownsdale, MN, graduating from Austin High School. Elmer joined the US Navy on his 17th birthday in 1945. Upon completion of his service, Elmer received an Honorable Discharge in 1949, and returned to Brownsdale. Elmer was united in marriage to Deloris Lecy on September 15, 1951. He ran the local gas station in Brownsdale from 1952-1954. Farmed the family farm with his brothers from 1954 - 1958, before moving to Lake Park and purchasing Dane's Café and Bowling Alley which became Larsen's Café and bowling alley in 1959. Throughout the years they also owned the Theater, Drive In and Lounge and Supper club. Elmer was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Lake Park. He was most proud of his family, his military service, his Danish heritage, his Lutheran faith. Elmer loved the game of bowling and travelling to tournaments. His most memorable moments were when he was on the "Big Bowl" live bowling show and at age 83 travelling to Washington DC as part of the Honor Flight. He was an avid sports fan especially for any Minnesota team. Additionally, he served as Sexton at the Silver Lake Cemetery, Director on the Board of the VA, Sons of Norway, and continuous member of the American Legion for 63 years. Above all was his love for Deloris and the town of Lake Park. Elmer passed away at home on April 3rd, 2015. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Dave (Regina) Larsen from Belmond, Iowa, Nick Larsen from May City, IA, Erik (Joan) Larsen from Montgomery, Iowa, Erin (David) Wynn from Scottsdale, AZ, brother in law Jerold (Sherry) Lecy; grandchildren Dylen, Nathan, Carey, Emily, Ian, Kelsy, Katie, Dane, Kyah; great-grandchildren, Darian, Dakota, Christopher, Danica, Marlie, Lauren, Liv, Dillon, Shelby, Rena, and Tatum. Preceded in death by his parents John and Katrine Larsen, wife Deloris, brothers Carl (Helen and Evelyn) Larsen, August (Bonnie) Larsen, parents-in-law, Renold and Mildred (Ottjes) Lecy.