Dohn Edward Larson

Dohn died suddenly on March 13, 2026. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a dedicated teacher and coach for 35 years. In retirement, he was a hardworking volunteer for the Community Foundation, where he became a board member in 2018.

Dohn was born in De Smet, South Dakota, in 1949. His family moved to Rapid City in 1954, where he lived with his parents, his brother, and four sisters. He graduated from Black Hills State University in 1971. Having a very low military draft number, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army and spent two years in Germany, where he met lifelong friends with whom he stayed in close contact.

When Dohn returned from Germany, he decided to move to California, where his sister Gail lived. That decision shaped the rest of his life. He moved to Hollister in 1975 and began working at Sacred Heart School, teaching eighth grade. He met Mary that same year. He continued his educational career in Gonzales, California, and later began employment with the Hollister School District in 1981, teaching history at Rancho San Justo and Maze Middle Schools until his retirement in 2009.

When he wasn't busy with his family, he enjoyed playing golf, playing the guitar, hunting, and coaching sports teams. He was the girls' JV basketball coach at San Benito High School for many years.

After retiring in 2009, Dohn enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren. Watching his grandson and granddaughters play sports, baking Christmas cookies, and making lefse with them were some of his greatest joys.

Dohn was a loving husband for 49 years to his wife, Mary; a proud father to Katie (Brian), Philip (Margaret), and Kelly (Mike); and a devoted grandfather to Domenico, Danzey, Ruby, Luella, Penelope, and Matilda.

A memorial service will be held at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home on May 2 at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, there will be a celebration honoring his memory. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing and celebrating a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Community Foundation in support of the Dohn and Mary Family Fund. Dohn worked tirelessly for the foundation, and donations to his fund will allow his work to continue.