Ben Larson

Ben A. Larson age 84 of Cushing, MN passed away Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls. Funeral services will be held Thursday (March 8th) at 11:00 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing with the Rev. Christopher & Rev. Heather Culuris officiating. Interment will be in the Cushing Union Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00a"8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service (West Chapel) in Little Falls and Thursday from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing. Ben A. Larson was born September 14, 1922 in Cushing, MN to the late John and Hilda (Johnson) Larson. He grew up in the Cushing area and attended school in Morrison and Todd Counties. In the late 1930's, Ben joined the C.C.C. at Itasca State Park. He entered the United States Army on August 4, 1944 at Fort Snelling, MN. He served during WWII in the Pacific Theater in the machine gun squadron . He also served in South Korea. Ben was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 24, 1946 at Fort Sheridan, IL. After returning home from the service, Ben moved to Windsor, ND and purchased property. He met and was united in marriage to Lila Zimmer on September 25, 1947 at Windsor, ND. While in Windsor, Ben served on the Township Board and as a 4H Leader. Together the couple farmed near Windsor. Ben and Lila later sold the farm and moved on September 7, 1965, to the original Larson Family Homestead in Cushing, MN. Ben and Lila farmed a few years at Cushing. He then worked for Larson Boats for 19 years. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing, served on the church council and was a Life Member of the Randall V.F.W. Post #9073. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, Lila, his four children and truly enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and keeping hunting trails open for the deer and bear hunters each fall. Ben is survived by his wife, Lila; son & daughters, Gene Larson & wife, Julie, of Owatonna, MN, Linda Collins & husband, Richard, of Little Falls, MN, Betty Otremba & husband, Ronald, of Clear Lake, MN, Debie Brink & husband, Jim, of Andover, MN; grandchildren, Kristen Larson, Heidi Hewitt & husband, Charlie, Rick Collins, Jim Collins & wife, Stacy, Ashley Collins, Brian Collins, Josh Otremba, Emily Otremba, Sarah Brink & Allie Brink; eight great-grandchildren and a sister, Helen Love of Taylor Falls, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Larson, an infant brother, Harry Larson and a sister, Ann Williams. Casketbearers are Rich Collins, Ron Otremba, Jim Brink, Josh Otremba, Michael Larson & John Larson.