Age 83 Longtime resident of Golden Valley was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday January 12, 2013. Graduate of Minnehaha Academy and Augsburg College, served in the CIC during the Korean War. Lifelong member of Brookdale Covenant Church. Teacher, coach and founder of Hospitality House Youth Development in North Minneapolis. Preceded in death by parents, David and Mabel Larson and sister Marion Stromberg. Survived by loving wife and high school sweetheart Janet, son Jim (Kerri), daughter Barb (Dave) Halstensgard, son Steve (DeeDee), daughter Debby (Scott) Swanson, ten grandchildren: Lindsey, Brienne and Ryan Larson; Dan (Steph), Mark and Jana Halstensgard; Kaia and Isak Larson; Abby and Olivia Swanson, brother Vernon Larson, and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation Thursday 1/17 from 4-7pm at Albin Chapel 6855 Rowland Road, Eden Prairie, MN. Memorial Service Saturday 1/19 at 1pm, Brookdale Covenant Church 5139 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, MN. Memorials preferred to: Brookdale Covenant Church, Hospitality House Youth Development and Minnehaha Academy. Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me." John 14:6 www.albinchapel.com Albin Chapel 952-914-9410
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My condolences to one of my mentors in my young life while participating at Ober Boys Club in sports and other Woody led activities that were centered in faith.
Frank White
January 10, 2023
Thank you, Woody!
Randall J Berry
Other
January 10, 2022
Miss my former Pee Wee & Midget baseball and football coach. Great impact on my young life at Oxford Boys Club, St. Paul. Later also considered him my friend.
Frank White
January 10, 2020
Dear Janet,
I just learned of Woody's passing yesterday. What an impact he has had on so many lives. My first encounter with Woody was a bus trip to Chicago the summer of '65... at that time Woody was one of our High League counselors. I can't even describe to you the life lessons we all learned on that trip. We stayed connected through Hospitality House retreats in Elk River. He was truly a diamond to all of us and imparted into our lives more than words can tell. The Lord has brought you both to my mind so many times over the years. You need to know that my life is richer because our paths have crossed. Be blessed over these coming days and weeks.
Diana (Bjork) Mills
January 26, 2013
My sympathy to Woody's family. He was my teacher at MA. May God comfort you in the assurance Woody is safe in the arms of Jesus. Carol Van Guilder Henry
January 19, 2013
I did not know Mr. Larson, but certainly know about Hospitality House. Mr. Larson has left a wonderful legacy. Clearly he was a man of vision and compassion. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him personally.
Angela C. Shackleford
January 18, 2013
Woody was one of my first bosses and one of the best. He also became a life long friend. Jan and Woody were always available and that I will never forget. Woody, right now is walking around the pearly gates checking for any needed for repair. Jan, Delores and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family.
Steve Burger
January 18, 2013
I am so thankful for the life and legacy of Woody. When I think of Woody, I think of the word "encourager" in my life. He was always quick to check in, say hi and see what was going on with me. He was always so excited to hear about my work with young people in the city. What a great man.
Lorie Crandall
January 17, 2013
When someone is the "real deal" -- there is so much that could and should be said -- and yet it seems words don't really give adequate honor. Woody saw "open doors"--that God alone could open--and was compelled--he was "constrained" by Christ's love to go--to live, to act, to love, to share Jesus. Isn't Heaven such a remarkable and suitable reward for those who have placed their treasures there? I pray this time be a very rich and blessed time for all your family and those who were close. Philip Hannam (Hospitality House volunteer/staff 1977-90s.)
Philip Hannam
January 17, 2013
Dear Aunty Janet, Barb, Jim, Steve and Debbie. I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Woody. From the moment I met him, and you, Auntie Janet, you both made me feel like a much-loved niece. Uncle Woody was one of the most Christ-focussed man imbued with the Holy Spirit that I have ever met. I wrote a poem a few years back that I would like to share with you. It is called "Beautiful Hearts.". Beautiful faces abound, it's true, though beautiful hearts there are but few. On God's good earth are rare indeed, but while they're here they plant a seed...of love and kindness never spent, of joy that truly is God-sent. To say these words is my endeavor, Beautiful Hearts Live Forever. DL. With great love and heartfelt prayers...
Deanna and David Larson
January 16, 2013
First off I want to start by saying thank you for founding the Hospitality House Boys and Girls Club. I was a member there from 1990-1999. The Hub as we called it literally saved my life and introduced me to Jesus Christ...Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person I do recall seeing your photo posted at The Hub and the vision that God gave you for the Hospitality House Boys and Girls Club was very instrumental in my life....My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.....Rest In Paradise
Gerald Shepherd
January 16, 2013
As a 13-year old boy, I was one of Woody's first "students" there at Lincoln Junior High School. He truly changed my life and I will remember him as a powerful force for fair-play and against bullying and intimidation. Thank you Woody!
Randall Berry
January 16, 2013
Woody was one of the clasiest men that I have ever known Rich Hass, class of 70, Buffalo, mn.
Rich Hass
January 16, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Larson family. We remember Woody as being a wonderful example and sincere person in his life and his faith. Woody was our Sunday School teacher many years ago, and we have always had fond memories of him. All of Woody's family can be so proud of the legacy that he has left behind. We pray family and friends sense the arms of Jesus holding you during this difficult time for you and this glorious time for Woody.
Sincerely,
Tim and Jill Michels
Jill Michels
January 16, 2013
As a youth in Minneapolis I went to Hospitality House. I do not remember ever meeting Woody. As a kid you don't always see the big picture. Hospitality House was instrumental in my life. I will thank The Lord for the rest of my life for Woody. God Bless Woody and his family.
Aaron Hill
January 16, 2013
What a honor and blessing to have been a friend of Woody. He loved young people and lived for God. There have been so many lives changed because of his dedication and commitment to the Lord. I will never forget him. My love to Jan and all the family.
Bob Bach
January 16, 2013
Thank you Woody,you were my football and baseball coach at Ober Boys Club in St. Paul. You also helped instill values and the Lord in my early life at age 12. I'm so glad that we reconnected a few years ago at the St. Anthony basketball game, that I officiated. Thank you for sharing your baseball history in my baseball project, this DVD will be turned over to the Ramsey County Historical Society and you will be mentioned in my book, about Minnesota Black Baseball. I'll never forget our time together and thank God, that he put you in my life to help direct and guide me. I'm truly thankful to you and God.
Frank White
January 16, 2013
I was so sad to hear of Woody having passed away. I went to M. A. and graduated with him and he was such an inspiration to me then and read about all he has done since 1947 in the last Arrow. What a wonderful life he lived and we will all miss him very much.May the Lord be with your family at this sad time God bless his memory.
Natalie Wilson
January 16, 2013
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