Idore A. ‘Lars’ Larson, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.

Idore was born Feb. 4, 1926, in Lyle, Minnesota, to Alford and Irene (Dock) Larson. He grew up in Mona, Iowa, and graduated from Lyle High School, where he enjoyed playing high school sports. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1947. His time in the service was spent in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Rotanin. On Oct. 3, 1948, Idore and Gloria Johnson were united in marriage in Austin. The couple raised five children. A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway, he worked at Hormel Foods for over 41 years. His favorite pastimes were dancing, playing cribbage, bridge, and bowling. Idore bowled a 299 game once, just one pin shy of a perfect game. Other interests included following the Minnesota Twins, going up north, hunting and fishing with family and friends, and attending the grandchildren’s’ activities. Idore also enjoyed traveling, especially to Navy reunions and to visit relatives in Norway. He recently went on an ‘Honor Flight’ to Washington D.C. celebrating his service to his country. His family was very important to him. Idore was a devoted husband, and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many.

Idore is survived by his wife Gloria Larson of Austin; his children: Greg (Diane) Larson of Austin, Kathy (Jeff) Orth of Rochester, Debbie (Mark) Welken of Bloomington, Minnesota, Vicki (Jeff) Goodew of Rochester, and Bradley (Krista) Larson of Dundas, Minnesota; 16 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alford and Irene Larson; one brother Joy Larson; and one grandson Joel Orth.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91. Memorials can be directed to the St. Olaf Church Building Fund or the Sons of Norway. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.