Kenneth Larson

Kenneth's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CST on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. There are two ways to join the Live Webcast: 1.Scroll down to the Events, under the Livestream Service click on "Watch Event" 2.Click on tribute wall (above) and select "Watch Now" MADISON - Kenneth George Larson, age 95, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at Madison Pointe Senior Care. He was born on July 17, 1925, in Alexandria, Minn., the son of George and Bertha (Koeplin) Larson. Ken graduated from Alexandria High School in 1943. He married Hazel Lobb on Aug. 10, 1946, in Madison. Ken served in the U.S. Navy as Radioman 2nd Class in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He worked as an autobody mechanic for Schappe Pontiac and Don Miller Pontiac, retiring in 1982. Ken was a cubmaster and first scoutmaster of Troop 132, Four Lakes Council. He earned the Silver Beaver and Woodbadge and was Vigil Member of Order of the Arrow, Tichora Lodge. Ken was on the board of social ministry at Messiah Lutheran Church, as well as serving in social ministry at the city level in Madison. He enjoyed trout fishing…he'd catch it and clean it, but he wouldn't eat it! Ken did Native American beadwork on his many looms. For his grandchildren, "Grandpa was only two years old!" Ken is survived by his daughter, Barbara DeMars; sons, George and Michael; grandchildren; and sisters, Marian Botzet and Sr. Georgine Larson OSF. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; his parents; his stepmother, Marie; and his brother, Raphael "Mike.” A private service and private burial will be held. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Messiah Lutheran’s web page at http://messiahchurch.com/ at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. He would remind people of how he island hopped across the Pacific in a boat the same size as the Merrimac Ferry, only 120 feet long. He told of being in a typhoon with waves as high as 100 feet. Having missed the landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, his ship was one of the first Americans to land on Japan at the end of the war. Dad had touched so many people. If you had an accident with your car or truck, 40 years ago, chances are pretty good dad would have been involved; either the repair itself or the estimate, you may have deal with him. He is further survived by his special friend, Geri Blotnik; and his little dog, Snoopy; and many nieces and nephews. As the Scout Master, he enjoyed sharing his wisdom with the boys of the troop, as well as other scouters. And, despite him never having been a Scout himself, he felt it was a payback to the community. He was also a student of the Native American ways. He learned how to use a Heddle Loom to create patterns in beadwork. He was never a fan of any sports team, but he watched a variety of sports, many times with his eyes closed. He would be upset if we changed the channel while he was "watching" the game. He spent his retirement years crafting, displaying and teaching beadwork. He never sold any of his works, but would gift a piece. The family would like to express our deepest thanks to the Staff at Madison Pointe Senior Living and Agrace HospiceCare. "Further up the road, further up the road, we'll meet you further up the road." Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420