James Willard Larsen

Jim left us for his heavenly home on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

James Willard Larsen was born in Waseca, MN on August 16, 1939 to Fern (Dahnert) and Willard Larsen. He attended Waseca public schools and graduated in 1957. Jim was active in sports and class plays during his years in school. Jim lettered in four sports, football, basketball, baseball and track in his junior and senior years. He was later inducted into the Waseca High School Athletic Hall of fame. He then attended Mankato State University for two years before enlisting into the US army. On February 24, 1962 Jim entered into the best years of his life when he married the love of his life JoAnn Pitcher. Jim and Jo raised two wonderful children, Brett and Brenda. Jim was a postman in Waseca for 37 years until his retirement in 2000. Jim and Jo owned two homes in Waseca until building their dream home on ten acres in rural northwest Waseca. Upon retirement they purchased a second home in Florence, Arizona where they spent 15 winters escaping the cold Minnesota temperatures. Jim also continued working on their hobby farm and driving veterans to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis for 17 years. Jim was active in many civic organizations and over the years held many offices at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion and past president of the Waseca Sportsman’s Club.

Jim is survived by his wife Jo; son, Brett; brothers, Mike (Ruth), Rick (Deb), Dave (Jo); sisters Linda, Kim(Tim), Bonnie, Vicky; sister-in-law, Cheryl; cousins, aunts, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda; his mother; father; sister Judy; brother Bob; and his nephew, Johnathan and many aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca, MN; Rev. Michael Grannis will officiate. Jim’s family will greet guests at a visitation on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Woodville Cemetery and the Waseca Honor Guard will lead military honors at the cemetery.