Donald C. Larson - Obituary

Donald C. Larson, 98 of Potter passed away at his home on the farm Thursday morning, September 29, 2016.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 4th in the First United Methodist Church in Sidney with Pastor Corey C. Jenkins officiating. Burial with Military Honors followed in the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Memorial contributions may be made in Don's name to Sidney Regional Medical Center Home Health & Hospice Department and the Dorwart Cancer Care Center in Sidney. You may view Don's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Don's care and funeral arrangements.

Donald Clarence Larson, the third son of Hjalmar "Elmer" Henry and Ellen Elizabeth (Rinquist) Larson was born at Swede Home in Polk County, NE, January 29, 1918. He moved to western Nebraska in March of 1918 on an immigrant train. They resided ten miles west of Gurley, NE. He was inducted into the United States Army along with two other brothers in March of 1942. Don was stationed at Camp Roberts California for thirteen weeks of training. He left San Francisco July 8, 1942 for more training in Hawaii and then to Guadalcanal January 4, 1942. New Georgia on July 20, 1943, New Zealand for R and R December 5, 1943, New Caledonia, February 1944, then to Luzon, January 11, 1945, serving one hundred sixty-five days on the front line in Luzon. As a squad leader he supervised eleven men in the rifle squad in M1, hand grenade and combat in the Pacific Theater, picking out targets and giving firing orders. Don earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Bronze Star, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged October 11, 1945. He never had a furlough during his time of service. He returned home to farm with his father.

On October 1, 1947, Don was united in marriage to Loretta E. Fischer at the United Methodist Church in Sidney. To this union two children were born, son Terry Donald and daughter, Peggy Ann. He continued farming and working with his brothers-in-law in construction and stuccoing part-time for a few years when he was younger. He also raised hogs from farrowing to finish until 1980. He continued to farm through 2015 and remained on the farm until his passing.

Survivors include his wife: Loretta of Potter, (1) son: Terry of Potter, (1) daughter: Peggy Makey and husband Gerry of Greeley, CO., (1) brother, Dennis Larson and wife Roberta of Gurley, NE as well as numerous nephews, nieces and other family members.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers, Dolan, Devere, Duane, Delbert and numerous extended family members.