Gary Waldo Larson, age 84, of Annandale, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.
Gary Larson was born on August 2, 1940, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Waldo and Mildred (Olson) Larson. Along with his siblings, Gary grew up in Cokato where he graduated high school in 1958. He attended St. Cloud State and entered the Navy in 1959. He participated in Operation Deepfreeze at the geographical South Pole and wintered over for 13 months below the ice. On May 29,1965, Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rita Rae Smed at St. John Vianney in Fairmont, Minnesota. He began working for A.C. Nielsen in Chicago until 1966 and then went to work for Bristol-Myers Pharmaceutical Company. He was transferred to Minnesota, Connecticut, Texas, and California with the company and had 3 children in the interim. He retired in 1994 for 2 years and then went back to work in January 1996 running Sales for Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, where he enjoyed another 16-year career. During this time, Gary and Rita moved to Florida in 2003, before returning to their Minnesota roots to retire in Annandale in 2009.
In his free time and in retirement, Gary enjoyed golfing, woodworking and relished the time spent with friends and family on the lake deck enjoying a good cigar and a martini. However, his greatest joy was spending time with Rita, his kids and an absolute love and passion for seeing, teaching, and supporting each of his grandkids. He always said that his greatest legacy would be to be remembered for giving back to the less fortunate.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita; children, Kirsten of Naperville, IL, Jason (Tina) of Ponte Vedra, FL, Garrett (Lori) of Walnut Creek, CA; grandchildren, Ashley, Riley, Jake, Perry, Walker, and Anders; siblings, Patti Ephraim, Judien (Jim) Cooper, Garwin Larson, and Harriet Miller; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo Larson and Mildred Miller; and siblings, Robert (Darlene) Larson and Elaine (Jim) Luedke.
Gary’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com