Dexter A. Larsen

Dexter A. Larsen, 82, passed away Tuesday, November 19th, at home with his family and his beloved team of caregivers.

Dex was born in Minneapolis and moved to Deer Trail Lodge near Ely when he was four. He was guiding at age eleven and earned the reputation of “the boy who could see fish.” Dex attended Washington Elementary and then Ely Memorial High School. He engaged in sports and swimming, where he was an outstanding freestyle sprinter.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School Summa cum Laude in 1964, Dexter joined the three-man law practice of Fryberger Law firm in Duluth, and saw it grow into a regional firm, with lawyers licensed in five states. He practiced as a business attorney for 46 years and specialized in securities law and family business disputes, leading the firm as CFO for 17 years. He was a mentor to many young lawyers and a collegial partner. In the early years of his practice, Dexter put his guiding experience to work by hosting fishing adventures for clients and lawyers, highlighted by his delicious shore lunch. Dex was an active waterfowler and upland game hunter in Minnesota, Iowa, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Mexico. In the 1970’s he built a lake home at Pequaywan Lake, where he enjoyed happy afternoons snoozing in the screen house after planting trees, building the “outpost” cabin and fishing.

Dexter was a wise, kind, loving husband. He was a devoted, nurturing father that always took time to be present and involved with his family. He instilled curiosity and a sense of adventure in their lives that has continued in his grandchildren. Dexter was always ready for adventure and his family loved to join him. Walking or snorkeling with Dexter meant seeing things you otherwise would not see.

Dexter served on several local boards. He took great pleasure serving as president of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Board and loved to attend symphony performances.

Dexter was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Mary Jane Larsen; his sister, Lee Fuller. Survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kristin (Kinsela) Larsen; daughter, Laura (Paul Schmidt); son, Neil (Katie); grandsons, Nolan Schmidt, and Nathan Schmidt; cousin William (Pat) Strachan.

The family thanks his caregiver team led by Jordan Sandal, and composed of Sue, Trish, Amanda, and Christian, who made his later years joyful. And Augie his beloved Brittany.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East 2nd St., Duluth MN and will continue from 10:00am until the Funeral Service at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Funeral Home. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dexter’s memory can be made to the Union Gospel Mission. https://duluth-ugm.org 218 722-1196, Email: gm@duluth-ugm.org