Kevin Douglas "Doug" Larson

Kevin Douglas “Doug” Larson passed away unexpectedly in Mankato, MN, on April 19th, 2018, at the age of 60. 

Doug was born November 14th, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa, he moved with his family to Mankato in 1973, and graduated from West High School in 1976.  Doug later graduated from Mankato Vocational Technical Institute with a degree in marketing, and a reputation for business.  He established himself as an expert estimator and manager in the construction industry with Minnesota companies including Patterson Lumber, Matthew Hall, Farm and Home Lumber, Randy Wells Construction and, most recently, Blashko Lumber.  Doug was readily recognized by all as an authority, and sought out by many for advice and consultation.

 say!!! Came down to watch my boys play baseball & hockey. Helped me organize the house & paint. Is the main reason I finally got the dining room table I always wanted where luckily we got to have many dinners with him! Was Theo’s Godfather. Grilled a steak better than anyone I know. He was calm, content, funny and as TJ says “He was one of very few people who was wise to the point where I didn’t even question him”. I know we have to go on without him but right now I don’t know how. Pray for my dad please?! Hardest thing I’ve ever done is tell him he outlived a child. My heart, all our hearts, are broken. Dear Doug I love you beyond words! I wish I could go back in time to Easter so I could tell you that to your face and give you one more hug.say!!! Came down to watch my boys play baseball & hockey. Helped me organize the house & paint. Is the main reason I finally got the dining room table I always wanted where luckily we got to have many dinners with him! Was Theo’s Godfather. Grilled a steak better than anyone I know. He was calm, content, funny and as TJ says “He was one of very few people who was wise to the point where I didn’t even question him”. I know we have to go on without him but right now I don’t know how. Pray for my dad please?! Hardest thing I’ve ever done is tell him he outlived a child. My heart, all our hearts, are broken. Dear Doug I love you beyond words! I wish I could go back in time to Easter so I could tell you that to your face and give you one more hug.

Doug was as much a part of the natural world as any man could possibly be – he lived to be outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, or just exploring the world around him, with a wholeheartedness that was difficult to explain.  He had a curiosity that led him to research, explore, and learn about the world in a way no college education could teach, but it was at the heart of his soul to understand.  He was never more engaged than when he was in a teaching moment with another.  A renaissance man, Doug was an athlete, an avid and wide-ranging reader, and an accomplished musician, and he loved to share those interests with his parents, siblings, nephews and nieces, and everyone else he pulled into his circle.  Never afraid to make light of himself or a situation, he could also be a comedian, and he loved to make his grand-nephews and grand-niece laugh.  Though he leaves behind an unfillable hole, his family is grateful that he is now rejoined with his Mom, Glenice, who preceded him in passing.

Doug is survived by his father, Clair Larson; brother, Steve Larson (Linda); sisters, Jodi Maxey (Rolle) and Kristi Schulte (TJ); nephews, Nathan Maxey, Jeremy Larson (Catherine), and Theo and Emmett Schulte; nieces, Megan Johnson (Shawn), Rebecca Larson-Stockwell (Jamie), and Larissa Larson; grand-nephews, Wes Johnson and Samuel Larson; and grand-niece, Nell Johnson.   

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Mankato Mortuary.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at a later date at the Lake Crystal Cemetery.