Donovan Francis Larson

Donovan F. Larson

July 23, 1935~October 26, 2024

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Donovan Francis Larson, age 89, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Administration Home on October 26, in Bemidji, Minnesota. Donovan (Don, aka “Swede”) was born July 23, 1935, in White Earth, Minnesota, to Edward and Lucille Larson Crowell (nee Brunette).

Don was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He served his country faithfully and honorably for twenty years in many states and foreign countries, including the Vietnam conflict. He enjoyed sightseeing wherever he was stationed. When he retired from the service, he worked at the Eagan Bulk Mail Facility for over twenty years then permanently retired and eventually relocated to Park Rapids, where he valued spending quality time with his wife, Kay, his siblings, and with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and pets. He was a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.

His family remembers him as one who was the happiest when he spent time tinkering in the garage with his many vehicles. At one point, he had collected so many vehicles that his wife said the place looked like a used car lot! He was handy and could build or fix just about anything, and he always had a project going on. Other hobbies included fishing with his buddies and listening to country music. He liked to keep busy. Don was a loving, caring husband and family man. He always took the time to call and check in on everyone and to visit whenever possible.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Audrey; stepfather, Clifford Crowell; and five siblings: Raymond, Edward and Leonard Larson; Gail Heinonen and William Crowell. He was particularly fond of his aunt, Frances Herda, and his maternal grandmother, Isabelle Brunette, who was an elder with the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. He is survived by his wife, Kay, of 41 years; brothers Alvin (Janet) Gjustrum and Samuel Crowell; and two children: Diane (Dan) Erickson and Ronald Larson; stepdaughter Janis (Chakib) Marrakchi; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Visitation will be held 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Private service and interment at Linnell Cemetery in Carsonville Township at a later date.

Condolences and memories may be expressed online at Jonespearson.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the Minnesota Veterans Home of Bemidji, 920 Anne Street NW, Bemidji, MN 56601.