Anton "Tony" Leroy Larson

Tony was born to parents Ludwig “Louie” Oliver Larson and Helen Antonette Jensen on March 9, 1935, in De Smet, South Dakota. He was the eldest of 3 siblings. As a youngster, he worked on the family farm where he earned his first scars and stories of a life well-lived. His most notable scar occurred when he delayed throwing the firecrackers he had lit. He narrowly avoided a hand amputation, but he did lose the end of his middle finger.

On October 31, 1954, in Yale, SD, he married his sweetheart, Carole Jean Boetel. They had two children and in 1968, they moved their family to Wyoming, then Southern Nevada, and in 1973, they settled in a modest home in Carson City.

Despite his childhood hand injury, there was nothing Tony couldn’t do, from building cabinets for multiple family homes, to fixing equipment and vehicles, to tying a fishing line. With those hands, he held a variety of different jobs throughout his long life, which helped shape him into a talented “Jack of All Trades”. He worked in a cabinet shop in Rapid City, SD, where he developed his passion for carpentry. He also worked as a firefighter, tree faller for a pulp mill, truck driver, milk delivery man, and a Cutco salesman. In 1967, he began his career with Petrolane where he delivered propane and made many friends. He retired in 1997.

Tony and Carole enjoyed their retirement traveling in their RV, camping and socializing with friends at the Carson City Elks Lodge. Tony, with Carole by his side, served as the Good Sam Club chapter president for 8 years, which brought many adventures caravanning, doing charity work, and cooking breakfasts for large events. He had a jolly, yet mischievous way of putting a smile on the faces of those who were lucky enough to know him. He always loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, especially in his later years (yes, he rode until he was 85 years old). He also found happiness watching old westerns, fishing, and taking his family to the monthly Elks Lodge breakfasts. He always made sure the family knew he put on a clean shirt for special occasions. He never got a haircut, but he did have his ears lowered from time-to-time.

Tony was preceded in death by wife Carole, his parents Louie and Helen, his sister Adree; and his adored, Harley-riding dog, Lightning. He is survived by his brother Kenneth and his wife Laura of Sun Lakes, Arizona; his aunt Joyce from Lake Preston, South Dakota; his son Craig and his wife Marti of Reno; his daughter Lori of Carson City; granddaughter Ashley and her husband Kevin, granddaughter Kimber and her husband Morgan; granddaughter Kayla and her husband Anthony; grandson Tony; and great-grandchildren, Kalina, Julian, Spencer, Tristan, and Annabelle, and one on the way; as well as numerous extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, January 23rd at the Carson City Elks Lodge at 2:00 in the afternoon. He will be cremated and buried in Yale, SD beside his cherished bride.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Carson City Elks Lodge for 4H projects.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fitzhenrysfuneralhome.net for the Larson family.