Donavon Lee Larson

To the Larson Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The loving family that Don and Cindy created has always been an inspiration to our family. We were so blessed to have known Don for so many years. My family is aching for you all right now and just know that our thoughts and deepest prayers are with you all at this time.



Love,

Michelle

To the Larson Family,

My deepest sympathies go out to you. Don was my coach in Hibbing during his stop there. His enthusiasm, compassion and pride in his work always were evident. He was a positive influence in my life and will not be forgotten.



George A. Lah

Dear Cindy and family,

I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Larson. My dad informed me yesterday, and he and my mom send their prayers as well. Lars was one of a kind. I remember hanging out in the coaches offices at NDSU just waiting to see if he would come up with some crazy story that would have most of us falling on the ground in laughter. It was a pleasure to play for a man like him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I read the news of Coach Larson''s death over the internet on Monday and it shocked and saddened me. I got to know Coach when he recruited some players of mine at St. Francis High School and even though we weren't the greatest program in the area, he always took the time to stop in and chat about how things were going. He was such a great person who would do anything to try to help you out just because he loved football and he loved people. I am sad that I am so far away and cannot pay tribute to a man who deserves it, but I hope his family realizes what a special husband, father, and grandfather they shared with so many people in the upper midwest. God Bless you in this time of grief.

Dear Cindy and Family,

We were all deeply saddened to hear of Don's death. I have talked to both Melissa and Brian and they also send their deepest sympathy. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.

Warmly,

The McCulleys

Dear Cindy and family:



It is unfortunate that kinds words aren't expressed about someone until after they are gone.



Coach Larson has been a positve mentor for me as a person and as a football coach. It was obvious that he used the great game of football as a vehicle to teach his players lessons of life.



He recruited one of my sons to play football at Hamline and did so without using any pressure. He did a great job of selling his program and school that he was obviously extremely proud of.



I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to all of you during this tough time....Donovan probably would like all of us to give the people we care about a hug and tell them how we feel about them.



God Bless,



Phil Ottney

Glenwood City Football

Former Osseo Grad

Coach Lars was truly special. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Lars through NDSU football. He had such a positive impact on so many lives. He will be deeply missed, but the memories are so fond. Our sympathies to the family.

It is with a heart brimming with sadness in hearing of the loss of such a wonderful man, and we convey our deepest sympathy to you, Cindy and to all of the family. Years ago when your family came to Albert Lea, you brought energy and enthusiasm to this community. Don was a great guy to have as an A.D. at the high school as his door was always open to just chat.We are indeed grateful to have had a chance to visit with you very recently. Don is gone from this kingdom, but now he is part of the eternal kingdom and I am very sure that Christ has met him and said "Well done, good and faithful friend". Look to the heavens and his star will keep shining in all of your lives. Our love and prayers for strength in the days to come. Brenda and Craig Ludtke

Dear Cindy, Harvey, Loris and family,



I was deeply saddened to hear of Donavon's passing. Although we have not been in touch for many years, he remains as one of the best friends that I have ever had...from the early days in Brooklyn Center, to the times that the two of us would visit the playgrounds in the northern suburbs in the summers of the late 60's looking for pickup basketball games, to watching a tornado out the window of Nedmac, to the golf courses, to working out to marching band music.



Lars was a wonderful person and friend. I heard that great laugh many times...once as he told me that someone thought that he had said "gorgeous" when describing a beautiful girl that he was dating. Lars clarified that she was gorgeous, but the name was Werges.



Please accept our deepest sympathy. May your entire family feel God's loving arms in the time ahead. God has prepared a room for Lars...and for us. I am sure that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"



With our prayers and love,

Maggie and Craig Lilja

Donavon Larson would be at the top of any good-guy list ever compiled in sports. We worked together as coach and sportswriter in Hibbing both football seasons he was there, 1976-77. I've forgotten too many people I've met these past 27 years, but I never forgot Don. You don't forget special people. My family's prayers are with Don's family. Mark Stodghill, Duluth, MN.

We are shocked and saddened by the news of Coach Larson. He was such a kind and caring person to everyone. When our son Brody was deciding which college to attend, it was Coach Larson that really turned our heads to Hamline. It was remarkable how he always remembered our names and where we lived with all the people he was in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers sure are with you Cindy and to all your family. May God give you strength at this difficult time.

Though it saddens me to see that Coach Larson has passed away and that his grandchildren will not have grandpa for a time now. I can say that I sincerely look forward to the day when I can catch up with Coach Larson. The years seem so few but when I take the time to count I realize that more than 23 years have passed.

You never felt rushed when you spoke with Mr. Larson. May all know the Peace that Mr. (Coach) Larson knows now. May we all meet again. May the Lord bless you and keep you in comfort during this time and season.

I knew Coach Lars from attending a football camp at NDSU back in 1997. A year later, he came to my high school for a recruiting trip. I saw him, and he remembered my name. I couldn't believe that he remembered me. He was a great coach and an even greater human being. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Larson family.

At different times we called him Donnie, Don, Donavon, and Lars, but we always called him Friend. We are heartsick that he left this world so soon. He touched so many lives and left each of us better for it. Our love and prayers go out to Cindy and the entire family. We'll miss him too!

In loving sympathy,

Howard and Kayla

To the Family Of Coach Larson -- I would like to express my condolences to your family. Coach Larson recruited my son to play for the Hamline team. Although my son chose to attend a different college and not play football, he had a huge impact on our family. He was a very kind and considerate man. Not to mention a fellow Osseo graduate. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.



The Koste Family of Coon Rapids

Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss of my personal friend, fellow coach and a wonderful person. I didn't get a chance to meet you, his family, as I had met Don while attending Football Clinics with another fellow Coach and close friend of Coach Don, Darrell Kluck. I saw him last as he was up in the Webster area at the family cottage. I was always impressed by his outgoing personality and knew that he must've had a tremendous impact on a lot of the young men that he coached. He will be missed by all of us that knew him as a friend and an excellent Coach.

Donavon was one of the most devoted, classy men I ever met. As a former Oriole and Piper, I was proud to know Donavon. He will be missed by many of the men he coached and played with.

Dear Cindy and family,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Coach Larsons death. My deepest sympathy is extended to all of you. Our son Josh has been a member of the Pipers Football family for three years. Our prayers are with you as you find comfort in the arms of your family and friends. May God Bless you and hold you in the palm of His Hand until that day when you meet again.

Judy Johnson

This is the kind of person Lars was. In 1990 I was a young coach visiting NDSU to learn about the game of football. Lars treated me like I was one of his own. He spent hours with me on several occasions sharing defensive philosophy and techniques, enlightening a young coach who had never played for him and who had nothing of value to return for his time. I looked forward to seeing him every year during the State tournament and at clinics. I will miss him dearly. My prayers and sympathy to the Larson's.