Ritchie Martin Larson

Ritchie M. Larson, age 71 of Andover, MN, died peacefully at the St. Cloud VA Hospital on Sunday, May 28th, 2023.

Rich was preceded in death by parents, Melvin and Alice; and sister Christine.

Rich is survived by wife Karen; son Nick (Jeni); daughter Sara (Mike) Watroba;  grandchildren Alex, and Mayci; brother Tom (Nancy); nephew Jim; and niece Anmarie;

Rich was a Forest Lake High School graduate, served in the U.S. Army, was an EMT/Fire Fighter/Fire Marshall for the City of Andover, owner/worked for Sawbuck Chimney Cleaning Company, former member of the Coon Rapids Legion, welder at Dispatch Industries and retired from being a Machine Operator at Federal Cartridge. 

He loved his pets past and present.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved visiting Duluth, MN and seeing the ships or light houses. He was always learning and sharing with others what history or unique story he found. 

Rich had a very sharp wit and great sense of humor. He loved planting trees and even tended to his own beehive for many years. All of his life he had a fascination with cars and a love/hate relationship with their engines.  He will be missed by many extended family members and friends. We hope you can come share stories of Rich and join us for his funeral on the 14th. 

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW, Elk River, MN from 4-7pm on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Northwoods Humane Society. If you cannot come please do what Rich would want you to do in his honor, plant a tree, adopt a cat, go fishing or just pick up the phone and call someone to share a good story.  Arrangements by Dare’s Funeral Home, Elk River. 763-441-1212. (daresfuneralservice.com)