Richard E. Larson

Richard E. Larson, age 88 of Wiota, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14th, 2025 at Lafayette Hospital surrounded by family.

Richard was born to Joe and Norma (Olson) Larson September 1st, 1937 on the family farm he would eventually take over and devote the rest of his life to. Richard graduated from South Wayne High school in 1955. Five years later on December 10, 1960, he married the love of his life, Evelyn I. Larson at the Fayette Methodist Church. After they married the two settled down on their farm in Wiota where they farmed and spent 59 wonderful years together.

Throughout his life, Richard's faith was very important to him. He was an active member of the Wiota Lutheran Church, spending several years on the church council and one as council president. Richard was also an avid sportsman. He loved to hunt, both close to home and on trips out West, fish, trap shoot, snowmobile, and water ski. He was a member of the Black Hawk Riders Snowmobile Club, Black Hawk Sportsman's Club, and was an honorary fireman with the Wiota Fire Department. He also enjoyed spending time restoring his '58 Impala, collecting Oliver tractors, visiting with friends at the Wiota Mill, and, of course, watching his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Richard was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by many, and remembered as a kind man with a twinkle in his eye, an ear to listen, and many stories to tell.

Richard is survived by his children, Randy (Tammy) Larson and Doreen Athnos; grandchildren Joe Martin, Elise Wenberg, Lauryn Wenberg, Kaitlyn Larson, and Megan Larson; great grandchildren, Ava, Maycee, Laylaa, and Bryson Martin; and sister-in-law Evelyn M. Larson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn I. Larson; his brothers Donald, Robert (Kathryn), and Wesley; and his grandson, Nathan Larson.

A funeral service will be held Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 STH 78, South Wayne) with Rev. Dr. Clayton Faulkner officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with the service following at 11:30 AM. Richard will be buried at West Wiota Lutheran Church Cemetery. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed the the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.