Donald Ray Larsen

Donald Larsen, age 87, of Browns Valley, Minnesota passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Browns Valley Health Center in Browns Valley.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton, Minnesota with Rev. Pat Schubert officiating. Urn bearers will be Randy and Claudia Ward, and Jerry and Jeanette Larsen. Honorary Urn bearers will be the Staff at the Browns Valley Health Center.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Following the Memorial Service a meal will be served at the Wheaton American Legion. Burial will be in Wilmot Cemetery, rural Wilmot, South Dakota.

Donald Ray Larsen was born on April 17, 1938, in Graceville, Minnesota, to Emil and Mildred (Chapin) Larsen. He attended Lee School #3 through the eighth grade and later graduated from high school in Wilmot, South Dakota, with the Class of 1956. During his high school years, Donald was active in football, baseball, basketball, and track.

He continued his education at South Dakota State University, graduating in 1961. Following college, Donald was united in marriage to Betty Olson in Brampton, North Dakota. Three children were born to this union.

Throughout his life, Donald wore many hats. He proudly served five years in the United States National Guard, signed on as a minor league pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals, and worked at Cenex. His true passion, however, was fishing. Donald co-owned and operated a fly-in fishing resort in northern Manitoba, Canada. He later owned and operated a second fishing resort on Lake of the Woods with his second wife, Nancy Larsen. Together, they adopted a daughter, Jeaneth Larsen.

Donald found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Christmas held special meaning for him, and he enjoyed country music, playing the accordion and harmonica, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. An avid reader, his favorite authors included Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. He loved gardening, woodworking, and cooking—especially frying fish. Time spent playing cards with family, enjoying bingo at the nursing home, and playing Hand and Foot with his sisters brought him great happiness.

Donald is survived by his children: Todd (Angela) Larsen of Atlanta, GA; Debbie (Larry) Kadoun of Urbandale, IA; Maria Larsen of St. Paul, MN; Jeaneth Larsen of Mitchell, SD; brother: Jerry (Jeanette) Larsen of Sisseton, SD; seven grandchildren: Brandi (Derick) Davison Beaverdale, IA; Jesse (Aurie) Kadoun of West Des Moines, IA; Roxanne Kadoun of Des Moines, IA; Jordan Larsen of Brookhaven, GA; Aidan Mallberg Minneapolis, MN; Carter Mallberg of Boulder, CO; Ayla Mallberg of St. Paul, MN; and two great-grandchildren: Alice and Gage Davidson of Beaverdale, IA.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Mildred Larsen; and siblings: Arnold Larsen, Roy Larsen, Irene Ellsworth, Delores Ward, Larry Larsen, and an infant brother.