Leo Benjamin Larson, age 94, passed away on December 4, 2012 at Idaho Falls, ID after a several year struggle with dementia. At the time of his death, Leo was a resident in the Helping Hands Unit at the Good Samaritan Society – Idaho Falls Village. He was born on March 25, 1918 at the home of his parents, Sophie Essinger Larson and Nyites S. (Ned) Larson, on Skull Creek at Watkins, MT now known as Brockway.
He attended grade school at Skull Creek and high school at Brockway, graduating in 1936. He attended Polytechnic, now known as Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT during the winter of 1936-37. He worked in various capacities besides employment on his parent’s farm.
Leo and Ruth Thompson of Union, MT were married in Billings, MT on November 7, 1947. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in November of 1942, serving at various camps. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. Leo returned to the Brockway area to farm and ranch until retiring in 1985. Two children were born to Leo and Ruth. Cheryl was born in Savannah, GA in 1944 and Thomas was born in Glendive, MT in 1951.
Ruth passed away in August of 1975. Leo continued to farm and live at Brockway. In June of 1976, Leo and Dana LeValley Hural were married in Van Nuys, CA. Leo spent his winters in CA and the summers in Montana. Dana passed away in California in October of 1991. Daughter Cheryl passed away in Oxnard, CA in August of 1998.
Leo was a member of the Brockway Community Church, McCone County Museum (Circle), Range Riders Museum (Miles City), Gateway Museum (Glendive), and the Miles City Singles Club. Leo loved to travel, visit, debate (argue), and dance. He liked music, especially the piano and violin.
Surviving are his son, Thomas, of Idaho Falls, ID; brother Herbert Larson of Miles City, MT; son-in-law Neil M. Jensen of Circle, MT; two grandsons, Scott J. Jensen of Belgrade, MT and Todd J. Larson of Billings, MT; one granddaughter, Mary A. MacAskill (Derrick) of Billings, MT; two great-granddaughters, Jessica Jensen of Belgrade, MT and Sadie MacAskill of Billings, MT and one great-grandson, Caleb MacAskill of Billings, MT. Also surviving are 2 nieces, Leslie (Kevin) Larson Bentz and family of Bismarck, ND, Kay Larson and family of Seattle, WA; two nephews, Don Larson of Brockway, MT and Jack (Layna) Larson and family of Brockway MT and best friend Pat Neiffer and her family of Miles City, MT. Leo was preceded in death by wife Ruth, wife Dana, daughter Cheryl, brother Wilbur (Agnes), sister Dusty Eichler, brother-in-law Orville (Erna) Thompson, and nephew Gregg Eichler.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle, MT. A private family interment will take place at a later date at the Brockway Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Mary Ann Phipps says
Tom: So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
J Johnson says
I was saddened to read of the death of Leo Benjamin Larson – My sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort in many beautiful memories and remembering the talents of Mr. Larson at this difficult time. The Bible gives us hope that soon the Creator will end all suffering, pain, and death. (Revelation 21:4). We have the hope of again being with our loved ones who have been resurrected (John 5:28-29). The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also up on Earth ” (Matt 6:9, 10).The prospect of seeing Mr. Larson again in God’s due time is a comforting promise. May all reading this note of condolences rely on God who is faithful to all His promises.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer and family says
Deepest sympathies to the family of Leo. We knew Leo through Patti Neiffer, my cousin. He was a wonderful person to visit with and will be missed by many.
Kathy Forster says
Tom, I heard last year that your Dad had died, so sorry for your loss. Growing up I heard stories from my Mom about her good memories growing up in Brockway. They always included Sophie and Ned and the kids. Every other year we would “go home” and I always loved the connection with family when we were in Brockway. My Dad, Stanley Forster, passed in October 2008 and my Mom, Doris Eissinger, in October 2011. I have been going through my parents stuff and I have a few letters from your Dad from the war years and also some pictures I would like you to have. Please e-mail me when you have time. Once again, sorry for you and your family on the loss of your Dad.
Joyce Schillinger says
Just heard about your dad. Sorry. Mine died 6 years ago, too. I miss him a lot. Hope you are well
Lesley Bentz says
Tom, Sorry I wasn’t able to make it to the service. Please know I was thinking about you. Hard to lose our dads… Mine’s birthday is Sunday – 2nd one without him, and I still miss him. Hope the brothers are having a ‘non-frustrating’ argument together in eternity! 🙂 Keep in touch~