St. Paul, MN - John Allen Larsen was born on August 10, 1939, and died at home surrounded by family and friends in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 16, 2026.

Born in Vermont, he was adopted by John and Lillian Larsen who raised him in what became affectionately known as the "home farm" in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. He was taught in a one-room schoolhouse located at the base of their driveway. When not hunting, fishing, or driving any vehicle he could get his hands on, he worked at his family's and neighboring farms.

After graduating high school in Middleton, Wisconsin, he joined the US Marines where he served for four years, ultimately becoming a "frogman" sergeant. Following his tour of duty, John attended the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, where he met his wife of 65 years, Karen Larsen (née Thornquist).

Karen and John started a family in Michigan and then moved to Glenn Ellyn, IL, Kirkwood, MO and finally St. Paul, MN where they've lived since 1985. Following in his father's footsteps, John worked for Deluxe Corporation (including Chex Systems) from 1962-1997.

John lived life with great enthusiasm, integrity, and thoughtfulness. He would hold a door open for people for minutes while others passed in and out. While listening to another, he would focus so intently that he would forget what was happening around him. He cared immensely for others and was never happier than when he saw people succeed around him.

John had countless friends throughout his life. Among his best friends were Herman Pongratz, Bill Woodruff, Dick Schoenke, and Rich Barr with whom he golfed, hunted, fished, skied, water-skied, jet-skied, snowmobiled, and played in just about every way possible. Ever wonder why we have so many turkeys in our cities? It's because of John Larsen! He was instrumental in trapping and transplanting turkeys into Minnesota. He felt himself incredibly blessed to have homes in places where he could play: the Whitefish Lake Chain near Pequot Lakes, MN; the beaches and back bay of Boca Grande, FL; the golf courses of St. Paul, MN; and, of course, the "home farm" in Cross Plains, WI.

John is survived by his wife Karen, sisters Elizabeth Stevens and Sandra Mazzariello, daughter Kris (Steve) Rose, son John (Mike Stewart) Larsen, grand children Rosie (Chris Shea) Benser, Calvin Rose, Jacob Louis III, Sophia Rose, and Andy Rose, and great grandchildren Astrid Benser-Shea and Tabitha Benser-Shea, and so many other family and friends who loved him.

A memorial service will be held in the fall of this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project.