Donavon “Don” Larson

Donavon “Don” Larson

     Donavon “Don” George Larson, 83, of Alma Center, passed away Oct. 10, 2023. Don was born Oct. 31, 1939, to Edwin George and Minnie Odell (Johnson) Larson. He grew up in Hixton, WI, and graduated from Hixton High School in 1957. In 1958, he married Donna Lou Hanson, and they had three daughters. Don and Donna moved to Alma Center in 1962 when he purchased the Cities Service gas station on Main Street. Some years later, he started the Alma Center Garage, along with his business partner, Jim Gaede. He had many fond memories of his years at the AC Garage, working with Jim and Dale Cummings, lifelong friends and coworkers. Don enjoyed car shows and auto auctions, but he mostly loved the day-to-day work he did fixing and painting cars. He also had a passion for restoring vintage cars and took pride in the process. After retirement, Don kept busy taking care of the trees and plants in his yard. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and squirrels that visited. He would often tell people just how much the birds and squirrels ate!

     Over the years, Don served as a fireman, a member of the village board and as mayor. He was very proud of the community he lived in. He was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage and the Norwegian flag that hung on his flagpole. A landmark for their home was the Norwegian Troll statue that graced the front lawn of their home. He stayed in regular contact with his family in Norway.

     Don was a loyal, proud, loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters Catherine (Dean) Erickson, Louise (Harry) Janke, and Jennifer (Scott) Gearing; his grandchildren, Ali (Ryan) Facklam, Whitney Gearing, Beau (Erin) Janke, Zachary Gearing and Hailee (Tom) Riley; and with his great-grandchildren, Leonelle and Fletcher Janke. It was common for Don to say to his family how lucky he was to have lived such a long and happy life.

     Don is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Minnie Larson, and his brother, David Larson.

     Visitation for Don will be held Friday, Oct. 20, from 4-7 p.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the United Methodist Church in Alma Center. Funeral services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow.

     The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton is assisting with arrangements, 715-963-2311.