We are sad to announce that Jon "Gary" Gary Larson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully from natural causes on November 28, 2024, at Golden Horizon Assisted Living in Sandstone, Minnesota. He was 88 years old.

Gary was born on January 12, 1936, to John Edward Philip and Lucille (Duncan) Larson. in Philip, SD, Gary graduated from Leeds High School in 1954, where he was known for his athletic prowess in football and basketball. He had a passion for music as well, playing trumpet in the school band. After high school, he attended South Dakota State University to study geology and proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1959 to 1969.

On July 18, 1959, Gary married the love of his life, Laurel Tordsen. The couple spent many happy years together in Minneapolis until retirement brought them to the beauty of Sandstone in 1993. Many years were spent camping in the area at Robinson Quarry Park and many years at Pathfinder Village.

Gary dedicated 33 years of his life to the municipal bond department at Piper Jaffray, retiring in 1993. His love for the outdoors was unmatched; he cherished hunting, fishing, and hiking, camping, and gardening, often accompanied by his beloved Siberian Huskies—Tiki, Nama, Keisha, Bandit, Luke, Angel, and Josie. Gary had mastered some culinary skills through the years enjoying time creating meals for his family.  Gary was also a Citizen Weather Observer as he enjoyed chronicling the weather.

In his retirement, Gary became an active member of the Sandstone community. He was a long-time member of the Sandstone Lions Club and was recognized as the Sandstone Citizen of the Year for his contributions. He also dabbled in the arts with a role in the community theater production "Voices in the Fire" in 1994.

Gary is survived by Laurel, his wife of 65 years; daughter Sonya (Todd) Peterson, Roseau, MN; sister Marcia Kay Larson (Jim) Freed, Rockton, IL; daughter-in-law, Joy Larson, Forest, IL; grandchildren: Christine (Jonathon), Jon (Leah), Laura, and Samantha; great-grandchildren: Avalie, Emmrie, Harper and Ryleigh; nieces and nephews: Heather Frank (Paul), St Michael, MN, Herbie Grigg, Stuart, FL, Michael Grigg (Jen), Rockton IL, Zachary Olson, Roscoe, IL, great nieces and nephews: Paige Frank, Heidi Frank, Carson Grigg, Hayden Frank, William Grigg, Tommy Grigg, Austin Grigg.  sister-in-law, Maida Piotrowski (Rich) Redder ,plus many more great nieces and great nephews throughout the states, special friends, Joe Barry, Merlin Larson and Cindy Rost.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Lucille, son, Troy, and special friend Jean Vanderwerf.

A special thank you to the staff at Ecumen® North Branch for caring for Gary during his last weeks of life.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Gary in the Spring of 2025 at the Sandstone Evangelical Church.

Rest in peace, Gary. You'll be deeply missed.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.