David Larson

David Larson, 89, of Great Falls, died on Thursday, January 26, 2012 of natural causes at Peace Hospice.A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.David Holt Larson was born January 13, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended high school, Augsburg College andLuther Theological Seminary in Minneapolis/Saint Paul; completing his schooling in 1947. He married Martha Mickelson on June 14, 1952. She passed away in 2003.The parishes David served were, Sanish Lutheran Parish in Sanish ND from 1947 to 1949, First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND from 1950 to 1952, parishes in Laurel and Joliet, MT from 1952 to 1957, Fairfield Lutheran Parish in Fairfield, MT from 1957 to 1962, First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, MT from 1962 to 1975, St. Lukes Lutheran in Shelby, MT from 1982 to 1987.David served as the administrator of the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT from 1975 to 1977 and the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in Havre, MT from 1977 to 1982.He retired in 1988 but continued as assistant pastor from 1988 through 1990 at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Great Falls and filled in on Sundays in many churches.David was a member of the Sons of Norway, Sons of the Pioneers, Faith Lutheran Church and a volunteer at Benefis. He was an amateur magician, enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and was a master of the pun.Every year he looked forward to making meatballs for Vikings on a stick sold by the Sons of Norway at the fair. He also took great pride in welcoming and providing assistance and information to visitors at Benefis West. He always included a joke or pun to put them at ease.Survivors include his daughters, Carolyn Gilbertson of Prairie du Sac, WI and Cynthia Davenport of Deer Lodge, MT; his son Craig Larson of Wolf Point, MT.; and eight grandchildren.David was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Larson; and a son Carlton Larson.Memorials are suggested to Sons of Norway of Great Falls, Faith Lutheran Church of Great Falls or Peace Hospice of Great Falls.Condolences for the family may be left at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.