Gordon R. Larson

Gordon R. Larson, 87, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, of natural causes at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow.

He was born on Dec. 11, 1925, in Opheim, Mont., to Olaf and Delia (Skarsten) Larson. He was one of six children, including one sister and four brothers. They lived on a farm/ranch 2 miles east of Opheim, where he resided his entire life. He was a true blue farmer, through and through, and he loved spending his days under Montana's famous Big Sky.

He married Arlene Arneson on Feb. 2, 1952, in Havre. He and his beautiful bride were blessed when three sons and two daughters joined their family. Over the course of his plentiful life, he grew to know and love 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A former owner of a pool hall in Opheim, he was also a soldier in the American Armed Forces, having served in the Korean War from 1950-1951. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks Club for 60 years, and the First Lutheran Church in Opheim.

Also an avid bowler and horseshoe player, he enjoyed playing basketball, traveling and watching his grandchildren participate in their many diverse sports and activities, including basketball, track, football, volleyball, swimming, cross country and musical programs.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Larson; one sister, Marion Larson; three brothers, Vernon Larson, Norman Larson and Oliver Larson; and one son, Douglas Gordon Larson.

Survivors include his children, Jeff Larson and his wife, Darla, of Glasgow, David Larson and his wife, Pam, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Becky DePuydt and her husband, Brian, of Saco, and Jacqueline Bonk and her husband, David, of Raleigh, N.C .; one brother, Eldon Larson; 13 grandchildren, Erica DePuydt, Heidi Diaz, Kayla Larson, John Bonk, Jayme Iddins, Brittany Larson, Kelcie DePuydt, Annie DePuydt, Meghan Bonk, Joe Bonk, Christian Larson, Bryan Larson and Christopher DePuydt; and two great-grandchildren, Andrea Diaz and Brooklyn Iddins.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m. at the Opheim Lutheran Church in Opheim, followed by interment in the Lawndale Cemetery in Opheim.

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.