James Edward Larson age 90 ½ of Sleepy Eye, MN died May 17th at St. Vincent’s Catholic Hospital in Sherwood, Arkansas after a short illness.
Visitation is on Thursday June 8th, 2023, at the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, from 4-7 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye north entrance with Christian Mothers leading the rosary at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye, Friday June 9th, 2023, at 10:30. Clergy are Fr. Mark Steffl & Deacon Mike McKeown. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard.
Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Condolences and entire obituary may be read at
James Edward Larson was born on November 15th, 1932, to Pearly Lee and Martha Larson in Sleepy Eye. He was the youngest of 3 boys growing up in Sleepy Eye. He attended St. Mary’s graduating in 1950.
After graduation he worked for his father prior to being drafted. He was a member of the Army Signal Corp. Following basic training in San Louis Obispo, California he was stationed in Linz, Austria 1953-1955, receiving the Army of Occupation Medal & the National Defense Service Medal. While in service he traveled extensively. Jim was honorably discharged in the rank of PFC in 1955. He has been a member of the VFW & Legion for 67 years. Jim cooked Mulligan stew for Veterans Day, a tradition now handed down to his boys.
He attended Business College in Mankato graduating in 1957 first working at Forster’s Furniture in Springfield. On December 31st, 1960, James and Elizabeth Mohr of New Ulm were married at New Ulm Cathedral. Later Jim began working at the Broich Insurance Agency in Sleepy Eye. In 1962 & 1970 the couple welcomed their 2 boys, Jeff & Eric. Elizabeth taught grade school and Kindergarten at Fairfax Public school. James transferred to the First Security Agency, retiring in 1998.
Jim was involved in numerous functions to support and improve Sleepy Eye. He served with local businessmen on the 1972 Centennial & Lake Committee, Economic Development Committee, Labor & Plate Glass Society. He was a Police Commissioner for 4 years and volunteered with Minnesota Special Olympics.
Jim was an active and charter member of the Knights of Columbus supporting St. Mary’s for 66 years spending 41 of those years as Treasurer. He was chairman of the Cadillac Dinner, oversaw the KC auction and helped the Grand Knights with their projects.
James loved golf. With practice he occasionally shot a 39. He loved reading, woodworking, winemaking, stained glass, cooking, stone carving, Black Labradors, boating with the family and yard work/tree planting. After retirement he traveled extensively. Jim’s love of dogs started early, having 4 Black Labs for 48 years.
True to his vows of “for better or for worse, and in sickness and in health” James took on the task of being a full-time caregiver for Elizabeth when she needed extensive care. James never needed a lot of words. As husband and father, he led by example.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Pearly Lee and Martha Larson; older brothers, Gerald (Adrian, MN) and Jerome Larson (Waseca, MN); and his wife Elizabeth (Mohr) Larson. James is survived by his two sons, Lt Col Jeff Larson (Jacksonville, AR) and Eric Larson (Sleepy Eye, MN); and 4th Lab Maxxx.
James Edward Larson will be missed by all.