Wayne A. Larson

Wayne Allen Larson completed his life journey on April 2, 2025, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, at the age of 80. He voiced peace about passing in his last days, enjoying visits and conversations with family and loved ones about their journey together as family and connection to his community was energized and drove his love of life. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church of Litchfield, Minnesota on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 5:00pm. Come as you knew him. Interment will take place at the end of summer at First Lutheran Cemetery in Grove City, Minnesota.

Born on July 30, 1944, in Litchfield, Minnesota, Wayne was the child of Russell and Marilynne (Coser) Larson. After losing his mother at the age of three, he was raised by extended family and a close-knit community. Many of his cousins became like siblings during those formative years. As a teenager, Wayne worked alongside his father managing Green Lake County Park, building many memories. He later lived on a homestead near North Grove City before settling on the farm south of Grove City where he raised his family. Wayne began his education in a one room schoolhouse and graduated from Grove City High School in 1962, being active in FFA and shop skill building courses. His first job off the farm was hauling milk for the Grove City Creamery connecting to his rural community and lifelong friends.

Wayne met Carol Hanson in 1966 through the connection shared by their grandmothers who were neighbors, they were married in 1968 at First Lutheran Church of Grove City. Wayne was the proud father, grandfather, and has recently been upgraded to great grandfather. He acquired his first child though foster care in 1969, Rick and later Tricia (born 1971) and Angela.

After returning to farming for several years, changing economic conditions led Wayne to pursue new paths. He began seasonal trucking for Green Giant, hauling peas, corn, and sugar beets throughout the region. Even delivering his wife to hospital for the birth of his first daughter in the pea truck on the way to the field. In 1988, he joined and completed the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 internship program. As an operating engineer, Wayne contributed to numerous commercial construction projects across Minnesota, including major developments in the Twin Cities too numerous to share until early retirement due to heart issues.

Throughout his life, Wayne demonstrated resilience and dedication from his early days on the farm to his work shaping Minnesota’s infrastructure. His legacy is one of hard work, love of his family, joy in connecting with friends to share stories, farm traditions, his community, and profound faith.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.