Ellard Larson

Ellard Larson, 91, of Barrett, Minnesota, passed away Dec. 19, 2017, at the Evansville Care Campus in Evansville, Minnesota.

Ellard John Larson was born to J. Albert and Ellen (Carlson) Larson on March 29, 1926, attended school in Lien Township and graduated from Barrett High School. On Sept. 2, 1950, he married Joan Carlson of Evansville. Together they lived on and farmed the Larson homestead in Lien Township. They raised four daughters on the farm, enjoyed summer days at the family cabin on Pelican Lake near Ashby, and were active in community and 4-H activities. Ellard was an active member of the township board and the Immanuel Lutheran Church council and boards.

When not tending the farm, Ellard enjoyed hunting with his father-in-law Oscar Carlson and many friends and could easily be coaxed into telling his “two deer with one slug” story. After decades of managing his dairy herd and then selling his remaining livestock, he became a successful agricultural seed salesman and had a great time traveling from farm to farm visiting with neighbors in his sales territory. He was known for being proficient with a personal computer, communicating via email and welcoming family and friends who came to visit. He will be remembered for his quick smile, kind nature, loving support for his family, and devotion to his land and livestock.

Ellard was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Brad Alsaker, sister Harriet Wiger (Cyrus, Minnesota), brother Harvey Larson (Bozeman, Montana) and Joan, his devoted wife of more than 65 years. He is survived by daughters Cheryl (Jim) Croonquist, Minot, North Dakota; Lorrie Alsaker, Benson, Minnesota; Susan (Tim) Sommerfeld, Marana, Arizona; Julie (Rob) Swanson, Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren Chris Alsaker, Karl Sommerfeld and Greta Sommerfeld; great-grandchildren Isabella Alsaker and Mea Alsaker; and sister Janice (Don) Allen. He is also survived by birth daughter Penny Needham (Dale Dramstad), Bloomington, Minnesota, Penny’s sons Lance and Richard, (and his daughters Eva and Haylee), and 11 nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life, followed by a meal and fellowship, will be held Saturday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery or Building fund or the charity of your choice.