Donovan "Don" Larson, 97, Ada, Minnesota, died Thursday, August 3, 2017, at Benedictine Care Community, Ada, MN.

A curious, independent soul with a big heart for animals, and an appreciation for nature, Don left home at an early age to embark on an interesting life journey that would last ninety-seven years.

As a young boy, growing up in Audubon, Minnesota, Don spent many hours at the stockyards and railroad station, admiring the animals, getting into mischief, befriending and sharing meals with the hobos and riding the rails to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and back home again…apparently without his parents' knowledge. For a brief time, he worked as a fireman for the railroad, which fueled his lifelong fascination of trains and an obsession for model trains. During his teen years, Don apprenticed as a butcher in Mahnomen under the direction of his uncle. It was in Mahnomen, that he met the girl, Ruth Eickstadt, that he would later marry. A multi-talented guy, Don became a builder, a brick layer, an over the road semi-truck driver and business owner.

After several years of living and working in Mahnomen, Don moved his family to Ada, where he continued to work, live, and served as Mayor during the 1970's. After his stint as Mayor, he continued to monitor the progress of Ada and was often seen sitting with his dog, in his pickup on the street or cruising in his scooter. Don enjoyed good music, especially the Big Band sound, and was a good singer himself. He was artistic and had beautiful handwriting…often detailing his own semi-trucks. Don liked to travel and logged many miles over the years, with his favorite pet. He was an avid reader, loved facts, history, current events and challenged and frustrated many over the years, with his questions and trivia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Johnson) Larson; two brothers, Carlyle and Charles; sisters, Caroline "Toots" and Audrey; and a great granddaughter, Brooklyne. Don is survived by his wife of 76 years, Ruth (Eickstadt), and his children: Donovan (Gail), Dale Larson, Vancouver, B.C., Claudia Larson, Ada, MN., Barry (Sherry) Queen Creek, AZ., K.K (Cindy), Breckenridge, MN., and Colleen (John) Germolus, Borup, MN, Grandkids: Donovan Larson and Erin Larson and Sophie; Scott (Stephanie) Larson, Aiden, Owen and Ian; Kellie (Scott) Tenge, Mason, Madalynn, Marrek and Myles; Kris (Lisa) Larson, Kalvin and Lauren; Andy Larson; Kyle (Missy) Larson and Briella and Brooks; Kendra (Darrin) Bartz and Ethan and Elijah; Alessa Germolus; Austen (Amy) Germolus and Oden; Katelyn (Nicolas) Ellefson, two sisters, Dolly Tovson and Edith Okeson, and one brother, Richard all of Detroit Lakes, MN.

Funeral: 2:00PM, Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: 5:00PM to 7:00PM, with a 6:30PM prayer service on Monday, August 7, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.