Obituary of Arvid Larson

Arvid (Spec) Larson

June 17, 1941 – March 13, 2023 (81)

A memorial service for Arvid Larson of Bloomington, Minnesota, will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, located at 9201 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55437.

Arvid went to meet his Lord and Savior on the evening of Monday, March 13, 2023. He lived to reach the age of 81 years.

Arvid (Spec) Larson, son of Ingval and Alma Larson was born on June 17, 1941, in Starbuck, Minnesota. Growing up, Arvid was active in many sports and joked he played in order to take a shower at school as his home did not have running water. At a young age, Arvid learned the value of a strong work ethic, community and perseverance. Upon graduating, Arvid moved to the Twin Cities to work and later was united in marriage to Sandra Johnshoy of Starbuck, Minnesota, on June 24, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Arvid and Sandy were high school sweethearts and began dating their Junior year. After marrying, they moved to Minneapolis to start their life together. Sandy passed away in 2021, prior to their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Even though they lived in the Minneapolis area and then Bloomington for 60 years, they still considered Starbuck their home. Arvid loved to keep up on current events and supporting organizations in Starbuck. They made a point of visiting Starbuck and family often. Arvid prioritized family and family events throughout his life. He was a loving, generous and giving man who would help others.

Arvid worked in the oil industry for most of his career, spending the last 25+ years as Vice President of Finance at Western Petroleum Oil Company. He excelled in negotiating, taking calculated risks and developing his team. Providing for his family was a priority and Arvid was committed to this his entire life. Arvid and Sandra enjoyed traveling, including trips to Hawaii, Alaska and to Arizona where they owned a second home for 10 years. He loved family trips to Lake Minnewaska and the Starbuck area. Arvid had a soft spot for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which he liked to spoil with love, advice and more advice.

Over the years, Arvid enjoyed golfing, hunting, coaching his kids in sports, participating in his grandchildren’s activities, hanging with his friends, reading, following the news and spending time with family and friends. Arvid had a diverse sense of humor and liked to banter. Arvid was a wonderful father and friend. He loved to teach the value of a dollar and was always ready to debate, discuss sports and news events. Arvid liked being active in church, providing support through service and leadership.

Arvid missed Sandy the last two years since her passing, he is at peace and with her.

Arvid, age 81, of Bloomington, Minnesota, is survived by three children: Greg Larson of Yuma, Arizona, Brad Larson of Mound, Lisa (Hien) Ly of Carver; six grandchildren: Justin (Tessa) Larson of Minnetonka, McKaela (Reid) Halvorson of Mandan, North Dakota, Ashly Larson and Charles Kovacovich of Golden, Colorado, Kaitlyn (Sam) Oddo of Victoria, Ethan Ly of Adelaide (Australia), Jake Graikowski and Elle Mortensen of Carver and two great-grandchildren: Quinn and Callahan Larson of Minnetonka.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Sandra Marie Larson; parents: Ingval and Alma Larson; sisters: Hazel (Ernie) Kleven, Delores (Beans) Olson, Lois (Carrol) Stahl, Ruby (Maynard) Vinge, Lillian (Myron) Foslien; brothers: Harris Larson (Hilma-surviving), Louis “Jr” Larson, Leroy Larson and Daryle Larson.

Arvid would want his Johnshoy family included as he loved them all dearly. Survived by the six Johnshoy siblings: Vernice Hoium of Alexandria, Delores Huebner of Sun City West, Arizona, Glen (Doty) Johnshoy of Missoula, Montana, Nona (Dennis) Thackeray of Rochester, Brenda (Randy) DeGier of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Randi (Alan) Grover of Chaska; three sisters-in-law: Connie Johnshoy of Bemidji, Sharon Johnshoy of Starbuck, Lynne Johnshoy of Chaska, and many nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by Sandy's parents: Herbert, Sr. and Valborg Johnshoy; infant sister: Irene Johnshoy, brothers: Herbert Johnshoy, Jr., Lauris Johnshoy, David Johnshoy; brothers-in-law: Maynard Hoium, Warren Huebner and nephew, Joel Hoium.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS ARE PREFERRED TO: St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55437, or Fron Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 417, Starbuck, Minnesota, 56381.

Private Interment will be held at a later date in Starbuck, Minnesota.