Kenneth Eugene Larson

Kenneth Eugene Larson, age 94, died peacefully on June 9th at Westfields Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. Ken was born on March 2, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN to Esther and Ben Larson. He attended school in Hudson, where he was involved in many clubs and had many achievements including all conference in football, boxing champion and captain, and was class president. Upon graduation, he dedicated some time to the Military, first the National Guard, and then the Navy. Shortly after the Military, he began working with his father as a carpenter. That lead to a lifelong career into his mid-80s, while also passing on the family craft to his nephew, Jeffrey Swenson and grandson, Jordan Larson.

He met his loving wife, Karen Albertson, through his brother Mel. Karen was a single mother of 4 young children. Ken asked her out and she declined as she had no money for a babysitter. Ken wasn't 'gonna' take no for an answer. He paid for a babysitter, and on Dec. 30, 1967, they united in marriage in River Falls. Alluding to the kind of man he was, he took Karen's 4 young children in as his own and eventually had 2 more children to add to the family.

Working along his father Ben and brother Mel, Ken built many homes locally and across the United States such as Colorado, California, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, and the Iron Range. He built many homes in his hometown of Hudson, WI. Designing and building a home for Karen in 1996 in Star Prairie, WI. Ken also loved spending his time camping in Ely, MN, completing his honey-do list, and having long talks around the kitchen table. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was the most patient, kind-hearted, and quick-witted human being to the very end.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen (née Albertson); parents, Ben and Esther; siblings, Melvin and Lorraine Swenson; plus, beloved pups, Lazy and Tucker.

He is survived by his adoring family. His two sons, Lance (Lori) Larson and Lon Larson; four daughters, Brooke (Dan) Fisher, Noelle Lokrantz (Terry Rustong), Kenda (Jim) Harken, and Autumn Larson; grandchildren, Justin, Derek, Brian, Jeremy, Stephanie, Zack, Tyler, Jeremy, Amanda, Jordan, Allyssa, and Jeffrey; great-grandchildren, Treyton, Jaxon, Crue, Molly, Eleanor, Lola, Sophia, Imagen, Cole, Brett, Hayden, AJ, Audrey, Magnolia, Caroline, James, Garrett, and Graeme; plus many family members that held him dear.

A Memorial Service for Ken will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, with a Visitation at 10:00 AM, Service 11:00 AM, at O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI. The family invites everyone to stand up for memory sharing during the service. Military Honors will follow the service, afterwards, we invite you to stay and share a bite to eat while we tell stories of our time with Ken. The service will be livestreamed, a link will be added shortly.

Memorials are preferred to the Parkinson Foundation of Minnesota

Services are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.