Larsen, Merwyn R.
Age 80 of Andover went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2024 after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born on November 3, 1943 in Volga, SD to Orville & Violet Larsen, the oldest boy of nine children. In the mid/late 40's, they moved to Foreston, MN where Mer graduated from Milaca High School then entered the Air Force. After his tour in the Air Force, Mer was presented with two employment opportunities. One was for the State of MN in an agricultural position and the other as a mail clerk for an insurance company. Since he did not have any knowledge about insurance, he thought it would be interesting to learn something different. After working in a variety of insurance organizations, he and Lance Erickson started their own company, Erickson-Larsen, Inc. in 1980 which continues to flourish. Mer was passionate about the insurance industry and shared that passion with many people. After 50 years in the business, he retired in 2016. While attending his sister's wedding, he noticed a pretty young lady that he learned was named Dorothy. After the wedding, he acquired her phone number from his sister and after multiple attempts, Dorothy finally agreed to a date. On June 8, 1968 he married his best friend and the love of his life, Dorothy (aka Ma). His family meant the world to him and he was proud of his three kids along with his seven grandchildren. Anyone that met Mer was quick to learn his love of Michelob Golden Draft Light and his passion for snowmobiling. He also enjoyed so many other activities that it would be hard to list them all, but some were spending time with his family, camping, golfing, 4-wheeling, fishing, and helping out anyone in need. He was fortunate to have traveled all around the world and especially loved traveling with their dear friends, Barb & Neil. One of the trips they enjoyed the most was New Zealand being crammed into a small 20 ft motorhome with the four of them traveling the countryside. He is survived by his children Mark, Jennifer (Lance) Jensen, Richard (Jessica); grandkids, Eric, Lucas, Reed, Tyler, Mackenzie, Megan and Cierra; siblings, Mavis Thielhorn, Lowell (Pam) Larsen, Joyce (Steve) Matheson, Patty (David) Aamodt, Mike (Nancy) Larsen, Terry (Jan) Larsen and Denise (Tim) Tallarida; in-law Joanne Blanchar; best friends Barbara and Neil Strickland; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ma; his parents, Orville & Violet Larsen; daughter-in-law Tiffany Larsen; sibling Laurel (Loretta) Larsen; parents-in-law, Royal & Olive Nystrom; in-laws, Larry Thielhorn, Howard Blanchar, Kenneth Nystrom, and Rodger Nystrom. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11:00 am (visitation one hour prior) at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, MN followed by Celebration of Mer's Life Party from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm at Rockwoods Event Center, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Ostego, MN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Support to Troops MN or American Legion Post #622 in St Francis MN.