Edward Junior Larson

“Lucky”

Born in Minneapolis, MN on February 8, 1921 and passed away peacefully in Elk River, MN on December 29, 2014 at 93 years of age. Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor “Mike”; and beloved daughter, Patricia Lee; brother, Donald; and sister, Eleanor. He is survived by his sister, Shirley; sister-in-law, Betty Larson; many adoring nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Edward recalled the summers at his uncle’s farm in Deronda, WI, as the best time of his life. When he was a teenager, he and his brother, Donald would shoot their .22 rifles at the windmill, which is still visible today. He later entered the Coast Guard and left for New York.

Edward met and married the love of his life, Eleanor “Mike.” They had one daughter, Patricia. The first 16 years of being married were very hard with his daughter being so sick. They lived in Queens, NY during his working years. He did what he had to do to support his family in Florida as he worked in New York on the tugboat. Even though times were tough, Ed still made time to give visiting family rides on the tugboat at work – creating memories that would not be forgotten. He later retired in Bayonet Point, FL.

Lucky and Mike were the most gracious host and hostess there ever could be. Family members that visited them enjoyed their gracious, kind hospitality. Lucky loved company and loved to discuss any topic. The couple absolutely loved Florida and lived there for 30 years in a house they had designed and built.

Edward loved wildlife and when he lived in Florida he use to feed the little red foxes outside his patio door. When a relative told him they loved to hunt turkeys, he would always say, " I hope you miss!"

He loved music and to dance; he also loved his pets, a poodle and a shih tszu. Edward took his career very seriously and thoroughly enjoyed his work at McAllister Tugboat Co. where he advanced from piloting ships in New York Harbor to dispatching tugboats to reach the ships. He also enjoyed traveling. He and his wife traveled abroad and within the US. They made special trips to Minneapolis to see the relatives. Edward kept a well-groomed yard and pool in Florida. He was always very good about and dedicated to keeping up with technology. Edward loved having visitors and was genuinely interested in his family's lives. His favorite saying when he liked something was, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" His family could always count on a birthday greeting card from Uncle Edward. He had a special knack for keeping nieces and nephews and all their children organized in his mind. He loved to reminisce about his earlier years - any trip, any event or any other tidbit! He was an incredibly amazing and independent soul. In his later years, he was so proud of his “decorated” room at the Homestead and of his new friends. He was always enthused about driving in the car. Ed drove his own car in Florida until age 92.

He was such a special man to his family and friends. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

A Committal Service for Edward J. Larson will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 at 11:00AM with Honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.