Vintage

Paul Larson

Minneota, Minnesota

Paul Eugene Larson was born July 17, 1950 in Crookston, MN to Ralph and Borghild (Hermo) Larson.  He attended school in Bagley, MN and Argyle, MN.  In 1966, his father accepted a position as the school superintendent in Minneota.  Paul excelled in academics and athletics while attending both Argyle and Minneota high schools.  He was involved in football, basketball, baseball, and track, as well as choir, band, and student council.  While working as a newspaper carrier in Argyle, he was awarded a scholarship through the Minneapolis Tribune’s and Minneapolis Star’s International Scholarship Program.  As the son of a school administrator, Paul dedicated himself to setting an example for other members of the student body.  Paul achieved the honor of being Salutatorian for the Minneota High School Class of 1968 and received numerous acceptance letters from several distinguished universities. 

Paul attended the University of Minnesota as a civil engineering major and served as a soundman for his brother Keith’s band. He also served as a Red Cross Senior Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor, teaching the community youth how to swim.   

In 1974, Paul married Wendy Boe at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. After several years of full-time employment, Paul returned to college, earning a Bachelors degree in business administration from Southwest State in 1995 and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota in 1999.  His exceptional performance in graduate school earned him induction into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

Paul was employed with the Schott Corporation in Minneota, Marshall, and Canby for 28 years, occupying several positions. He was later employed with the Schwan Food Company as the Manager of College Relations in which he helped establish the company’s college intern recruiting program.  In the final years of his life, Paul returned to a leadership position as the Operations Manager for BH Electronics in Marshall where he devoted his efforts to facilitate company success as well as the success and professional development of his employees.

His career in public service began in 1976 with his election to the Minneota City Council and his subsequent election as city mayor in 1980, a position he held until his mayoral retirement in 1996 and again in 2008 until his death.  His achievements as mayor included improving community infrastructure, modernizing the police force, and adding recreational facilities. He also mentored and guided the educations and professional careers of several young people in his community. In 1989, he was awarded the Minneota Rotary Community Service Award for his accomplishments in public service. 

He was a proud member of the Red Eye softball team, Countryside Golf Club, and Bethel Fellowship Church in Minneota. He was also an accomplished marathon runner and was in the process of compiling a manuscript about the Larson family’s extensive involvement in the arena of politics.

Paul’s interests included attending Minneota High School athletic and music events, particularly those of his children, nieces, and nephews. He also enjoyed following the athletic achievements of Stephen/Argyle High School. An avid fan of Minnesota sports, he was a Minnesota Gopher football season ticket holder, particularly enjoying the on-campus TCF Bank Stadium. He took particular pride in the professional achievements of his brothers and children. He enjoyed the festivities of Boxelder Bug Days in Minneota, Meet Your Neighbor Days in Argyle, and Minneota and Argyle class reunions. He also enjoyed reading historical biographies, collecting baseball and football cards, playing golf, and home improvement projects.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy; son Jesse (Brandi) of Shakopee, MN; twin daughters Breanne of Savage, MN and Alisha of Austin, TX; mother, Borghild, of Minneota; brothers Keith (Elaine) of Palm Harbor, FL, Marc (Teresa) of Forsyth, IL, Brent (Becky) of Cave Creek, AZ; grandchildren Tolan and Evan of Shakopee; 16 nieces and nephews; 3 cousins; in-laws Wynston and Arla Boe of Minneota and many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father and mentor, Ralph.

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