Willard Larson

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Willard Dale Larson, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 9, 2010, surrounded by his family.
Willard was a 1950 graduate of Rose Creek High School. He then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1956 with a degree in chemistry. After graduation, he taught high school science in Kenyon, Minn. Willard went on to earn a master’s and a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of North Dakota in 1964. After graduation, he began working for Dow Corning’s Product Development Division where he holds several patents. In 1977, Willard joined 3M as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist and continued to work at 3M until his retirement in 1998. In addition to his many educational and professional accomplishments, Willard enjoyed bicycling trips, traveling, and performing in choral groups, choirs, and community theater. Willard and Ardys celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December with a family vacation to Hawaii.
He will be missed by his devoted wife, Ardys; daughter, Kirsten (Kevin) and son, Kendall (Sherry); grandchildren, Beck, Alec and Emily; brother, Donald (Norma); sister, Ruth Dohrn; sister-in-law, Joyce.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hogan and Mabel; brother, Paul; and brother-in-law, Bill Dohrn.
A memorial service will be held at the Woodbury United Methodist Church on May 1, 2010.
Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association, St. Olaf College or the Woodbury Community Theatre.