"I am so sorry to hear of Swede's passing...my love and sympathies to Martha. I wish over the years that I could have seen you both. I have somany happy memories of you both at West....great, fond memories. Donna Ferguson Terbell"
In loving memory of
Leland Zebe Larson
March 6, 1943 - March 13, 2007
PETERSON, MINN. - Leland Zebe "Swede" Larson, 64, of rural Peterson died on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at his home surrounded by family.
Swede was born on March 6, 1943, in Mason City, Iowa to Fred Zebe and Dorothy Emma (Schlosser) Larson. He was raised and attended school in Waterloo, Iowa, graduating from West High in 1961. Following high school he studied Education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, graduating in 1967. During this time he married his high school sweetheart Martha Ellen Burton, also a Waterloo native. Following college, Swede taught at Calamus High School in Calamus, Iowa, and Fox Valley High School in Milton, Iowa. As a Physical Education and Driver's Education teacher, as well as basketball and baseball coach, Swede was well respected and admired by his students. In the 1970's he and his family moved back to Waterloo where he worked as a salesman and leasing manager at Crossroads Ford. For a short time he and his wife also worked together at the Quakerdale Group Home in Decorah. Soon thereafter they returned to Waterloo to sell their home and move to rural Peterson, Minnesota in 1980. During his years in Peterson he worked as a relief postmaster, was a Peterson School Board Chairman, and spent countless hours supporting his sons' school activities. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rushford, Minn., and served as a church elder. Swede loved the outdoors and reveled in helping build and landscape the home hobby farm outside Peterson. He found great satisfaction in building and planting, especially the rock wall landscaping and variety of trees surrounding his home. Swede was a man of nature, deer hunter, genealogist, woodcarver, faithful Iowa Hawkeye's fan, and devoted husband and father.
He is survived by his wife, Martha; three sons: Garrick (Mary) Larson of Moorhead, Minn., Blair (Jodi) Larson of Rochester, Minn., and Adam (Allison) Larson of Wyocena, Wis.; three grandchildren: Mathias, Greta, Ayla, and two more grandchildren on the way; one sister: LuAnne Bearbower of Ferryville, Wis.; and one sister-in-law: Pat Larson of Imperial, Missouri. Swede was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Bryce, and brother, Loren.
Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel. The memorial service for Swede will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, at the First Presbyterian Church in Rushford, Minn. with the Rev. Susan Li presiding. Burial of his cremated body will be at the Elmwood Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa at a later date.
Tributes
"Martha and family, I remember Swede as a kind and gentle person in school and I am sure he was a loving husband and a wonderful grandfather. I am sorry we didn't see you two at any of our class reunions. May God Bless you & your family. My husband, Wayne taught with Zeke until Zeke retired from West. Lynda Nicholas Folks"
"Martha, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. I remember Swede in High School as a kind and caring person and I'm sure he carried that into his adult life. May God bless you and your family. Jackie(Wood)and Larry Shinn"
"Lee will be missed by everyone he has touched,I am sorry that I couldn't hook up with you two in the last few years. Martha, you and your family will be in my prayers."
"I was a good friend of Kristina Joonsar, who lived on West Sixth Street just a few houses from the Larsons when Leland was in high school. Kristina and I used to babysit for LuAnne's kids when she stayed there. Dashing Leland and Beautiful Martha would run in and go upstairs and then run out again. Kristina and I thought that they were quite romantic. I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of Leland's parents and took pictures. A lot of the grandchildren wore baseball uniforms. We had very good memories of the Larsons. Now both Leland and Loren are together with their parents. I too lost my husband this year in January and I still grieve for him. My deepest sympathies to Martha, the sons and LuAnne."
"Martha--So sorry to hear about Swede. My sister who still lives in Waterloo informed me. When you feel like it, contact me. Jerry died 8 months ago so I know what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you . Love, SHirley"
"Swede was a gift to all who met him. His humor and personality will be remembered always but Swede will be missed forever. There was nobody else like Swede. God bless Martha, Garrick, Blair and Adam...nobody will miss him more than they. I love you all and am hugging you from 2000 miles away. Peace. Ginny Huebner Renaud"
"I will always remember being the awkward flowergirl at Martha and Swede's wedding. He always had a way with kids and you could tell he really enjoyed being around them. Even my own kids noticed that the handful of times they spent with him. Calm, wise, playful (the mannequin?), full of peace and joy...these are all words I will remember him by. Much love to Martha, the boys (I mean, men), and their families. Kerry"