Donald James Larsen

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Lana J. (Kispert); daughters Tanya (Curtis) Hamilton and Cara (Jason) Alferness; grandchildren Nathan and Madilyn; sister Laurel (Kenneth) Koosmann; and brother-in-law Lowell (Doris) Kispert. Preceded in death by parents, Rev. James A. and Lillian C. (Rakow) Larsen, brother James D. and sister Lana S.

Don was born in Eau Claire. He graduated from Stillwater High School, Saint Olaf College (Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude), and the University of Wisconsin, Madison (M.S. in Analytical Chemistry). He served in the United States Public Health Service, then as Analytical Laboratory Manager for St. Paul Fire and Marine, and then as Research Chemist and Certified Industrial Hygienist for 3M Company. He taught numerous certification courses for Industrial Hygiene students. His commitment to the health and safety of workers has had a far-reaching impact.

Don was a 48-year member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Paul, where he served his Lord in many roles, including usher, lector, Church board, treasurer, greeter, Handbell Choir, Intern Committee, and sound board operator. He loved to golf, do genealogy research, collect stamps, travel, fish, cross-country ski, camp and backpack, play cards, read. Together he and Lana traveled to numerous National Parks (Don made an attempt to climb Mt. Rainier) and to Europe for family history research. He coached girls’ slow pitch softball, was a National Night Out host, and volunteered at the Minnesota Genealogical Society Library. He loved attending his grandchildren’s baseball, softball, basketball, cross country and church events. Don was always trustworthy, patient, fair, dependable and competent. He did not complain or seek conflict, and included everyone in the activity at hand.

Special thanks to the outstanding Home Instead caregivers who helped Don for almost 5 years, and to Health Partners Hospice staff for their compassionate care.

Services at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1390 E. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul, will be held Friday, Nov. 12 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am and fellowship lunch after service.

Interment following at Methodist Memorial Knoll, rural Nerstrand, MN. Face coverings are required, please. Online streaming of service: http://bit.ly/ORLCMNyoutube

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Saint Olaf College.