Rev. Wallace Larson

Rev. Wallace A. Larson, 87, of Moorhead, MN, died Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Rev. Wallace “Wally” A. Larson was born on May 3, 1928, in La Crosse, WI, to Arnold and Margaret Larson. He grew up in Rushford, MN, where he graduated high school. After graduation, Wally enlisted in the United States Army. He then returned to Decorah, IA, where he attended Luther College and later went on to study at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. On May 17, 1953, Wally was ordained at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. He was then commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and served as a chaplain. While serving as a chaplain, Wally was stationed in Korea. There, he was instrumental in building and overseeing several churches, schools and orphanages, which forever impacted the lives of many children and families.

Wally then returned to the Midwest where he started his lifelong career as a pastor in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. He also continued his education at the University of Minnesota. On November 3, 1963 he married Elaine Helland and together they raised six children. Wally remained a dedicated pastor to his churches over his career; working for 60 years until his retirement on December 15, 2013. He last served at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, MN, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN. Wally also served on the board at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and as chaplain at the VFW in Moorhead, MN. In his spare time, Wally enjoyed reading and was especially interested in history and heritage.

Wally is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine; children, Gretchen Joe Kaiser, Beldenville, WI, Jair Larson, Crook County, WY, Zach Shayne Larson, Fargo, ND, Kecia Mike Medbery, Moorhead, MN, Nada Larson, Moorhead, and Kai Kim Larson, Plymouth, MN; 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger Larson.

Visitation: Friday, March 11, 2016 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral: Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.