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June 4, 1940-Sept. 26, 2026
Velva
Gerald D. Larson, 86, Velva, ND, died Saturday, September 26, 2026, in a Minot hospital with his loving family at his bedside.
Gerald D. Larson was born on June 4, 1940, a son of Lawrence and Marion (Wastwett) Larson in Minot, ND. He grew up on the family farm near Voltaire and graduated from Velva High School. Following graduation he went to work at Kresbach Implement.
Gerald enlisted into the United States Army on February 8, 1960. He proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on February 6, 1963.
Gerald was united in marriage to Betty Lou Dockter on July 22, 1963, at Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. They made their home on a farm east of Voltaire, where they were blessed with four daughters: Carmen, Patty, D'Ann, and Sally. Gerald farmed and raised dairy cows for more than 25 years. After retiring from farming, Gerald worked at the ADM plant in Velva before joining the agronomy department at Farmers Union Oil, where he remained until final retirement. Betty Lou died October 15, 2025.
Gerald enjoyed playing pool and pinochle with his many friends. An avid outdoorsman, he loved playing golf, hunting, and watching the wildlife that frequented the farmyard. He also had a knack for fixing and maintaining equipment in his shops. He was an excellent gardener who took great joy in growing pumpkins for his grandchildren every year. Gerald was a faithful member of the Hjerdal Church in Voltaire.
Gerald will be remembered as a very quiet, compassionate, humble loving and caring father. He will be deeply missed.
Gerald is survived by his daughters, Carmen (Jonathan) Briggs, Patty (Robert) O'Shea, D'Ann (John) Johnson, Sally (Mark) Anderson; grandchildren, Kyle Briggs, Taylor (Molly) O'Shea, Erin (Ty) Bruner, Cassie (Brandon) Ballantyne, Tricia (Daimen) Bibeault, Gunnar (Lindsey) Johnson, Robert Anderson, and Brady Anderson; six great -grandchildren and one great-grandson on the way; sister-in-law, Mavis Larson; brother-in-law, Ernie Stordahl; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 62 years Betty Lou, brother Lauren Larson and sister Loretta Stordahl.
Visitation: Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4 until 6 pm at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, ND.
Funeral Service: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 am at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ @thompson-larsonfuneral home3198.
Burial with military honors: Hjerdal Cemetery, rural Voltaire, ND
Memorials may be given in Gerald's name to Hjerdal Cemetery, 1550 41st St N, Velva, ND 58790.
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 30, 2026.