John F. 'Fred' Larson

DEERWOOD - John Fredrick "Fred" Larson, DVM, age 83, of Deerwood, died on Sept. 3, 2007, at his home. He was born on March 3, 1924, in Breckenridge, Minn., to George and Genevieve (Meyars) Larson. He married Mary Lou Nold on June 20, 1952, in Wahpeton, N.D. He was a U of M alumni class of 1952, earning his doctorate of veterinary medicine. He joined his father's practice in Breckenridge from 1952 to 1964. In 1964, he joined the Minnesota Board of Animal Health serving as a district veterinarian until his retirement in 1988. He was a WWII Army Air Forces veteran and a member of the Walter Scott Erickson American Legion Post No. 557 of Deerwood. He was also a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Deerwood, a former Deerwood City Council member. He was an avid outdoorsman and natural resource preservationist. He also enjoyed his wood shop, crafting everything from bird to fish houses, furniture to toys. He is survived by three daughters, Paula (Jim) Higgins, of Westminster, Colo., Julia (Mel) Allord, of Brainerd, and Janet (Al Torgerson) Larson, of Deerwood; one grandchild, Lauren Higgins, of Westminster, Colo. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Lou.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Deerwood. Military honors will be given by the Walter Scott Erickson American Legion. Friends may call on Sunday from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Riverwood Foundation.