Eldon "Tex" Larson

Eldon LeRoy Larson was born August 8, 1937, on the farm in Akron Township, Wilkin County, Minnesota, the third of five children of Arthur and Navy (Mattson) Larson. He attended country school through 8th grade in the schoolhouse down the hill from the farm and graduated from West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA) in Morris, MN in 1955.

Many people ask how he came upon his nickname. Legend has it, he was helping a local farmer show cattle at the Denver stock show and he bought a pair of cowboy boots. When he returned to WCSA he was the only student with cowboy boots. Friends started calling him Tex and it stuck.

Tex loved his family, friends, and farming. On August 31, 1963, he married Karen Ann Anderson at the Foxhome Lutheran Church. They farmed and raised their family in Akron Township, rural Rothsay. Tex and Karen danced together for nearly 60 years. Together they did many home projects and loved to entertain. In their later years, they maintained a beautiful farmyard and gardens, including Tex's roses.

He loved playing cards with friends, neighbors and especially his grandkids. Tex enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren at their activities, eating the sweets Karen baked, and traveling with their siblings and Farm Credit friends. He loved collecting old things, displaying them in his wood shed museum and sharing the stories of them with visitors. Tex frequently shared coffee and stories with friends at the Rothsay Truck Stop. He shared a lifelong friendship with his farming neighbor, Darwin Danielson.

Community service was a value Tex and Karen shared. Together they were 4-H leaders and active members of the Foxhome Lutheran Church. He served on church council, the Rothsay Elevator and PioneerCare Foundation boards. He was a member of the Lions Club and more. He was most proud of his service as board chair for the Agribank Farm Credit board. In the early 90s, he traveled to Russia with Farm Credit for a good will program to promote democracy and free market systems. Over the years, Tex received many accolades in farming including Outstanding Young Farmer, King Agassiz, and Outstanding Conservation Farmer.

Tex loved to share stories and chat with anyone. In celebration of Tex, we encourage you to share a friendly hello, spend time with friends, and find small world connections with the people you meet.

Eldon "Tex" LeRoy Larson, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at PioneerCare Center, Fergus Falls, MN, at the age of 87.

Preceding him in death were his loving wife, Karen, his parents, brothers Ralph, Dean and Arvy.

Survived by son Troy (Kelly) Larson of Rothsay and their children Ryan and Alex (fiance Mitch Rice), son Chad (Lynn) Larson of Erhard and their children Emma (Chris) Burt, Kennedy (fiance Carter Gilles), Riley (fiance Raegan Klosterman), Colby, and daughter Elisa (Joel) Olson of Faribault and their children Will Titus, Abby Titus and Lauren Olson. Great-grandchildren Navy and Walker Burt, Beah Gilles. Brother Harold Larson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

His family is grateful for the caregivers and staff of Mill Street, PioneerCare, HIA Hospice and PARTNERS of Rothsay. Memorials appreciated to any of these care communities or donor's choice.

Blessed be the memory of Eldon "Tex" LeRoy Larson.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Foxhome Lutheran Church, Foxhome, MN

Clergy: Reverend Brad Soenksen

Interment: Burau Cemetery, Foxhome, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com