Sanford Larson

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DATE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Sanford "Sandy" Larson, age 82, of Benson, formerly of Willmar, died Friday morning, November 7, on the family farm near Benson.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, November 13, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar with military honors provided by Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post #167 of Willmar. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar (www.petersonbrothers.com) and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Sanford Dean Larson was born October 26, 1932, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Sidney and Gunda (Bjorke) Larson. He grew up and was baptized into the Lutheran faith in Benson and graduated from Benson High in 1950. He then worked at Erickson's Furniture in Willmar and on the family farm. In 1953, he joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War until his discharge in May 1955. On November 25, 1955, he married Barbara Skare in Benson and they made their home in Willmar, where Sandy worked at Montgomery Ward. In March 1959, he began a 34 year career as a police officer with the Willmar Police Department. Sandy attended investigation training at Northwestern University in Chicago and was one of the first officers to be involved in the D.A.R.E. Program in Willmar. He retired from the police department on July 2, 1993. Sandy also served in the 825th Supply Company of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1975 to 1993.

Sandy will be remembered as a kind and compassionate man, who was always willing to help anyone. He was a comedian and loved telling stories. He enjoyed fishing, wood-working, playing cards, visiting with family and friends, and spending his retirement on the family farm. He was also a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and John Deere farm equipment.

He is survived by two daughters, Pam (and Mark) Sward of Willmar and Patty (and Mark) Brenner of Kerkhoven; seven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; special friend, Mary Tewes of Willmar; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara in 2003; a son, Bradley in February 2014; and a grandson, Sean Sward in 1999.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lois and Jennifer from Hospice, Paul & Dodi Berg, and all the family and friends who helped care for Sandy during his illness.

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