Eugene Larson Obituary Gene Larson - beloved son, husband, father, brother, and friend - passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Gene was born April 15, 1943, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to Jens and Martha Larson. His only sibling, Cora, and he shared a happy childhood working with their parents on their family farm. He graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1961 and later in life continued his education at the Minnesota School of Business. Gene met his best friend and the love of his life, Christine Skinner, in high school and the two were married on May 16, 1964, at English Lutheran Church. The couple had two daughters, Stephanie and Gina. Gene loved family time and together they took many family vacations and enjoyed spending summer weekends on the chain of lakes in Alexandria, MN. His family was his priority, and he treasured opportunities to support them and prized being together. He had an amazing memory and could recall events from decades ago and he cherished those memories. Those who know Gene would describe him as a man with an incredibly warm and loving heart; someone who would do anything for those he loved without hesitation. He always made sure his families' cars were clean and safe, and he was quick to help his family with any problems they had, big or small. Gene enjoyed attending church, both at Crosslake Lutheran and Good Shepherd Free Lutheran. Gene was an avid reader, kept an immaculate yard, and looked forward to tending to his shrubs and flowers each year. He loved to walk around Lake Harriet with Chris admiring the beautiful water and surrounding area, watching the many birds and deer that would come into his yard, and going for drives. He and Chris enjoyed being part of a book club together where he discovered one of his favorite books, Watership Down by Richard Adams. He also loved to play tennis and pickleball with friends from Minnesota, Canada, and all over when he and Chris would stay at Greenfield Village Resort in Mesa. Gene also absolutely loved receiving and sending Christmas letters each year. Gene intentionally took an interest in whatever his family was interested in. He and his daughter Stephanie enjoyed several of the same authors and loved to discuss books. They talked often and shared a bond that not many fathers and daughters share. They were genuinely good friends. He and his daughter Gina talked almost every day and often met for coffee or to walk together, which was a highlight for him. Gene enjoyed talking about football, current events, and his grandchildren with his sons-in-law, Steve and Bryan. He took his grandson, Jacob to several NASCAR races and was always happy to talk with him about his school activities and work. He rarely missed his grandson Beck's tennis games and loved every minute of them. He also proudly supported Bella at many of her dance competitions. He simply loved to be with family and would support his family in all of their endeavors and shared their interests. Gene's career was primarily working as a salesman in the automotive industry, most recently at Hopkins Honda where he very much enjoyed his work and friendships that would last for the remainder of his life. Gene died suddenly from a fall when he was traveling to visit family in Arizona. He very much looked forward to that vacation and we are truly heartbroken that he was not able to enjoy it. Gene is survived by his wife, Chris Larson; daughters, Stephanie (Steve) DeBuhr and Gina (Bryan) Barber; and his three grandchildren, Jacob DeBuhr, Beck Barber, and Izabella Barber. He also would want to mention Jax, the Barbers' dog who he loved almost as much as he loved his grandchildren. The family particularly wishes to thank all the extended family, friends, and neighbors who have shared love, kindness, and friendship with Gene throughout the years. A Celebration of Gene's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church. Visitation one hour before services and a luncheon held after. If you care to, in lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to a homeless shelter or charity of your choice.