James D. (Jim) Larson

James D. (Jim) Larson, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minn. He died with Gwen, his wife of more than 50 years, at his side as well as both of his children, their spouses, and other family members.

Jim was born Dec. 17, 1940, to Arnold and Lucille (Leggate) Larson. He was raised in Billings Park, attended Cooper Elementary and graduated from Superior Central High School in 1959. Jim received a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He also earned an MBA from Eastern Michigan University and a PHD in Business and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Jim and Gwen Nelson of Superior were married in January, 1962, at the Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church. Jim worked as an engineer for Ford Motors and Honeywell. He taught as a professor at Washington State, Montana State and St. Cloud State Universities. Later in his career Jim and Gwen were owners of a business consulting and marketing research firm in Albuquerque, N. M.

Jim was an avid hunter throughout North America. He enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife Gwen enjoyed spending summers at the family farm in rural Douglas County.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Gwen, daughter Susan and her husband Mike Lang of Bozeman, Mont.; son Doug and his wife Kimberly Larson of Andover, Minn.; grand children, Nick, Travis and Alysha Lang of Bozeman, Mont. and Rachel, Natalie and Wyatt Larson of Andover, Minn.; and one great granddaughter, Aaliyah Pederson of Bozeman, Mont..

He also is survived by brothers Gerry with wife Dianne Larson of Roseville, Minn. and Rick Larson of Henderson Nev., and aunts, uncles and cousins.

A private internment service will be held at a later date.

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