Dewayne "Phil" Philip Larson

Phil's service will be livestreamed and can also be viewed at a later time here: https://vimeo.com/event/2813583

Phil's tribute video can be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MCPZHHFPMM3BD9XS

DeWayne P. “Phil" Larson was born September 24th 1931, in Barnesville, MN. He died peacefully Saturday, January 21st 2023, at age 91, at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo ND.

As those that knew him would tell you, he’d say “Uff Da…what a life!”

He spent his youth growing up in the West Central Minnesota communities of Barnesville and Lawndale, and on a farm on a hill near Prairie Lake. He also lived in Pelican Rapids for many years.

He graduated high school in Pelican Rapids, MN in 1949. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) and worked odd jobs around the F-M area. He later enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably during the Korean Conflict aboard the attack transport USS George Clymer (APA-27) throughout the Pacific theater. He participated in combat action during the US invasion of Inchon, Korea. Phil attained the rate of Teleman TE2 - Petty Officer Second Class.

Following his military service, Phil attended Moorhead State College (MSUM) and the University of Northern Colorado, earning a degree in music education with a minor in mathematics.

While attending MSC, Phil met the love of his life, Susan Albright, from Crookston, MN. They were married in August 1958.

After completing degrees, Phil and Sue moved to Glendive, MT where they both had teaching position for two years.

They returned to the Fargo area in 1960, and began a long career with the Fargo Public Schools system. Phil was a music educator at Agassiz Junior High School, Fargo North High School, Longfellow Elementary School and Washington Elementary School.

During this time, Phil enjoyed directing musical productions at both North and Moorhead State College as part of the “Straw Hat Players”. He was also involved with the Fargo-Moorhead Master Chorale and adjudicated many music contests throughout the region.

He served the church in many positions throughout the years, directing choirs at Grace Lutheran, Olivet Lutheran and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches.

He also joined North Dakota Civil Air Patrol, serving as a testing officer and earned his Aircrew Observer wings.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and shooting sports, and was an avid water-skier!

He was a proud father to son, Rick and daughter, Ann. They would tell you, it was impossible to go anywhere with either Sue or Phil and not run into former co-workers, colleagues, students and former students and acquaintances!

In 1972, Phil took the family to Greeley, CO, for a school year, where he continued his post-graduate work at the University of Northern Colorado. They enjoyed the mountain scenery and exploring the area.

During summer school breaks, he did many jobs, including working for the Fargo Park System, where he designed many beautiful displays, including the first landscaped entrance display at Lindenwood Park. He also worked as a music archivist for the school district and pumped gas at 10th Street Conoco. He retired from teaching in 1993.

He was a man of many talents and avocations, from gardening to home improvement. He enjoyed a variety of projects, and even built a Harpsichord from scratch! His award winning gardens were the envy of many, on display during the F-M Horticulture Society tours.

Phil and Sue were fortunate to have been able to travel to Europe four times as Deans of Students with the Peace Garden Music Camp and the Ambassador of Music summer concert tours. They also traveled to Scandinavia with a group of students from the four Fargo high schools in 1979. This led to taking three additional trips to Norway and Austria on their own. They also cruised the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Well known for his wry humor and understated ways, Phil enjoyed the obligatory “Ole & Lena / Ole & Sven" Norwegian jokes, and always had a sometimes long, yet entertaining story to share about a variety of topics!

He was preceded in death by his wife Sue, parents Benly and Petra Larson, stepfather Dorph Stoen, brother Paul, sister Margaret Halbakken, and in-laws, Bill and Doris Albright.

Phil is survived by son Rick, of Sioux Falls, SD, daughter Ann Sanders (Steve), Gilbert, AZ, 4 grandchildren, Justin Schuster (Myisha), Stephanie Moore (Brandon), Ben Larson (Krissy) and Daniel Larson (Cansas) along with 7 great-grandchildren.

His family thanks staff at Bethany Lutheran Home and Ethos Hospice for the very compassionate care he’s received.

Please join us in celebrating Phil’s long and fulfilling life.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 25th from 5-7 pm at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo. Funeral service will be held Thursday morning January 26th at 11:00 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with a lunch to follow. The service will also be streamed online. Graveside rites and interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in South Fargo.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Ethos Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND