Gerald “Jerry” Larson passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Prairie Senior Cottages in New Richland, MN. He was 78 years old.

Gerald “Jerry” Larson

Gerald Dwight Larson was born on December 11, 1941 in Freeborn County to parents Gilbert and Harriet (Nelson) Larson. He grew up in the Lerdal area, attending school in Albert Lea. After high school, Jerry went to Austin Vocational School for welding. Jerry married Sandra Wentzel in 1961, and to that union, three children were born: Cory, Jeff, and Staci. The couple would later divorce. He was remarried to Kathie Herman, to which the couple would also divorce. In 1997, Jerry married Ellen (Immonen) Lynch, and the couple spent 23 great years together. Jerry was a very caring and loving husband to Ellen, and thought of her children as his own.

Jerry began teaching welding at the Vocational School in Albert Lea. Later, he moved to Blackduck, MN and owned Lea Truck Sales. He also started farming, but was soon met with the farm crisis of the 1980’s. Jerry would move back to the Albert Lea area where he farmed and also owned and operated Blue River Truck Sales in Albert Lea.

Jerry was one of the founding members of the Scavengers Car Club. In his youth, he enjoyed raising pigeons, and had a soft spot for dogs – he raised many bulldogs throughout his life. Jerry was a simple, hardworking man.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Larson; father and mother in-law, William (Lilian) Immonen; stepson, Johnny Lynch; sister, Jean (Mike) Waage; and brothers and sister in-law, Ernie Nissila, Roger Berganini, and Sharon Larson.

Jerry leaves behind his wife, Ellen Larson of Albert Lea; his mother, Harriet Larson; his children, Cory (Lisa) Larson, Jeff (Julianna) Larson, and Staci Larson, all of Colorado; step children, Tim (Deborah) Tomberlin of Minneapolis, Andy (Bridgit) Tremmel of Minneapolis, Charlie (Teresa) Fletcher of South Carolina, and Jacqueline Clack of Albert Lea; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Larson of Baudette, MN and sister, Cindy (Danny) Lee of Albert Lea; Rick Severson, who was like a son to Jerry; as well as many other loving family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Senior Cottages in New Richland for the wonderful care given to Jerry.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date on the family farm. If you would like to leave a memorial for the family, please mail to Bonnerup Funeral Service at 2210 E. Main St. Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Jerry will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. God Bless Jerry Larson.