John R. Larson

John Robert Larson, age 42 of Marine on Saint Croix died on February 28, 2013 from injuries sustained in a car accident. A gathering of family and friends was held from 5-8 PM Wed., March 6th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. A celebration of John's life with full firefighter funeral honors was held at 11 AM Thurs. March 7th at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail No, Scandia with a gathering beginning at 10 AM until time of service. Interment was in the Rutherford Cemetery. John's life began on May 29th, 1970. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota he was the eldest of the children raised in White Bear Lake by proud parents, Pat & Neil Larson. John graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1988. Shortly after college he began his career with the United States Postal Service. While working there John met his wife, Paula. They were married on a beautiful fall day in October 1997. They lived in the Scandia area where they have been raising 3 amazing children. In 2004, John added to his postal job by fulfilling a dream as well as a four generation tradition of becoming a firefighter with the Scandia Fire Department. He proceeded from a vo...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

teer firefighter to the rank of Rescue and Fire Captain. He truly loved his 2nd family! John was known for his 'calmness in chaos' and always had a kind heart. Anyone remember a firm handshake or one of John's bear-hugs? Anyone in his presence certainly does! Every year John was excited, and looking forward to, the annual Larson family tradition of camping at Jay Cooke State Park. So many memories...... John is reunited in Heaven with brother-in-law, Charlie Burton, and grandparents Phyllis & Martin Ludden, and Carl & Marjorie Larson. John is deeply missed by his wife, Paula; children, Jeremy, Chantel, and Hannah; parents, Pat and Neil Larson; sister, Bridgett (Dan) Freimuth; brother, Eric (Carrie) Larson; mother and father-in-law, Sue and James Burton; sister-in-law, Pam (Dan) Mewhorter; nieces and nephews, Paul, Robert, James, Kelly, and Grace Freimuth, Wesley Larson, and Allyssa and Kali Mewhorter. A very special THANK YOU to Scandia Fire Department for all your help, love and support at such a difficult time. John loved each and every one of you and was honored to be part of your family. Also to his Uncle Martin for helping make his Celebration of Life even more special..... To all of you volunteering your time today to help honor my husband, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has meant so much to our families. Paula