Gene R. Larsen
Gene Raymond Larsen, age 85 of Henryville Township, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 16, 2023 at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 at Redwood Valley Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. Interment will be in the Johnsonville Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Gene wished memorials be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, or Omaha Home for Boys. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com
Gene Raymond Larsen was born September 20, 1937 to Raymond and Vera (Donner) Larsen in Johnsonville Township, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Johnsonville Township. Gene graduated from Walnut Grove High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country from July 1955 to June 1956. Gene had to leave the military early when his father became sick and passed away. Gene took over the family farm with his younger brother, Gordy. On October 30, 1965, Gene married Darlyne (Frank) Filzen in Redwood Falls. The couple then settled down on the farm milking cows, raising beef cattle, and at times, horses, pigs, geese, and ducks. He loved animals and at one time even had ferrets. Gene and Darlyne also raised various breeds of dogs. The couple were foster parents for many years, opening their hearts and homes to many children. Randy Kuiken and the family created a special bond during the years he was with them. Randy continued to stay close to the Larsen’s along with his wife, Corey, and their children and grandchildren. Gene was a member and a president of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Preservation Committee at Bechyn, where he was very involved in the Czech Fest. He was a devoted member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, where he helped video tape services. He was also a Gideon International member. He was a board member of the Northern Lights Appaloosa Futurity, president of the Redwood Valley Saddle Club, president of the Glacial Ridge Appaloosa Club, and member of the National Appaloosa Horse Club. Gene loved to go trail riding and took his children to numerous horse shows. He was a Danube school board member and on the Advisory Board for BOLD FFA. Gene enjoyed Polka dancing and was the president of POLK of A club. He loved playing sports in school, and well after graduation he played fastpitch softball in the town league and traveled to many places. He coached his children’s 4-H softball teams and his love of sports turned into a hobby of collecting sports memorabilia. Gene enjoyed watching, cheering, and supporting his children and grandchildren in their sports and other school activities. He loved camping with his grandchildren and attending family birthday parties as his children and grandchildren grew up. Gene often gave people nicknames, and had one for each of his grandchildren. He loved being around people, visiting and having a great time. Gene was a kind, compassionate, hardworking, devoted, and generous soul. He was always helping others and volunteering. He will be remembered for his smile and hearty laugh that could be heard across the room.
Gene is survived by his wife Darlyne of 57 years; children: Paul (Mary) Filzen of Kimball, John (Jane) Larsen of Danube, and Julie (Mike) O’Halloran of Olivia; grandchildren: Tyler Filzen, Troy Filzen, Rae (Kolt) Krumrey, Paige (Tim) Amick, Brent (fiancé Scout Meyer) O’Halloran, Cody O’Halloran, and Devyn (friend Shay Tisdell) O’Halloran; great grandchildren: Klayton & Elijah Krumrey; brother Gordy (Diane) Larsen; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Vera, foster son Randy Kuiken, and foster grandson Darrin Kuiken.
