Levi Obed Larson, 87
Levi Obed Larson, 87, died from heart problems Saturday, March 24, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Levi was born to Carl and Rasminne Larson on Oct. 15, 1924, at their home in Forest Grove Township.
During World War II, Levi served in the Navy as a welder repairing ships in Hawaii from 1943 to 1946.
Levi married the love of his life, Gertrude (Gertie) Logdahl. He and Gertie met in the ninth grade at Northome High School and got married Sept. 4, 1946, when Levi returned from his duty in the Navy.
They moved to Eugene, Ore., with Levi's parents. They moved back to International Falls in 1953 and Levi started work at Insulite. He advanced to the maintenance department as a welder, and retired from Boise Cascade in 1986.
Levi and Gertie built their own home on the Rat Root River at Rogers Corner and raised their family there.
With his talent for welding and inventing, he built trailers and wood splitters and happily did many welding projects for other people.
His grandchildren spent many enjoyable hours driving the vehicles he created that he called 'bugs,' becoming accomplished drivers at an early age.
When he retired, he built an elevator in the house to make it easier for Gertie to go downstairs to the laundry room.
Levi loved spending time with his family. He and Gertie enjoyed gardening in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter for many years.
He belonged to Zion Lutheran Church and Local 589 Pipefitters Union.
Levi was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Otto Larson.
He is survived by Gertie, his beloved wife of 65 years. He will also be missed by his son, James (Sherry) Larson and daughter, Connie McBride. The grandchildren who enjoyed driving the 'bugs' with Grandpa are Adam Larson and Jenna (Luke) Wright, Selene, Blake, Rachel and Katryna McBride. Great-grandchildren are Nissa, Whitney and Cale Wright. He is survived by his sister, Selma (Bob) Young.
Celebration of Life with military rites will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 30, at Zion Lutheran Church.
Interment will be at Ericsburg Cemetery.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
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