Harold Laverne "Tuffy" Larse, age 94, of rural Gratiot, died on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Lafayette Manor in Darlington. He was born in Wayne Township on May 22, 1921 to Jay and Mamie (Seffrood) Larse and grew up on the farm that was homesteaded by the Larse (Lillebeck) family who emigrated from Norway in 1847.
Harold graduated from South Wayne High School and married Marjorie Ruch on October 15, 1941 at the West Wiota Lutheran Church. They had three children, Shirley Schroeder of Monroe, Sherry (Roger) Vickers of South Wayne, and Harold "Sonny" (Donna) Larse of Gratiot. After Marjorie's death, Harold married Erma (Hasley) Eastman on June 24, 1955 at the West Wiota Lutheran Church. Erma had two children, Everett Eastman of Lake Jackson, Texas and Joyce (William) Stauffer of South Wayne.
Harold farmed his entire life in the South Wayne/Gratiot area. He served his community in numerous ways including lengthy terms of service on the South Wayne/Black Hawk School District board, Wayne Township board, and the Pecatonica Co-op Oil Company. He was a member of the Black Hawk FFA Alumni and was part of the group responsible for the start-up of the agricultural education program and FFA at Black Hawk High School.
He was an avid horseman, serving as a horse show judge, as an exhibitor at horse shows, community parades and trail rides, and as a member of the Pecatonica Bit & Spur Saddle Club and Blackhawk Saddle Club. He loved animals and had a menagerie of dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, mules, and horses over the years. He enjoyed sharing this passion with his family, neighbors and friends.
Harold was a wonderful storyteller and frequently shared stories of his younger years and the history of the community to anyone who had a moment to listen. Cowboy hats, pants suspenders with denim jeans, Copenhagen snuff, Chevy trucks, Farmall tractors, and farm and horse antiques were his signatures.
He is survived by his sister Eunice Graham, his children and stepchildren, several nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren.
Harold is predeceased by his wives, parents, brother Charles, sister Joyce Kant, daughter-in-law Jeanette Eastman, granddaughter Cindi Kaster, and grandsons-in-law, Brian Bennett, Charlie Larson and Keith Stukenberg; twin great-grandsons, Cory and Casey Stukenberg.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30 at the Wiota Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Glenn Andes of Gratiot Evangelical Free Church officiating. Burial will follow at the West Wiota Lutheran Cemetery and a late lunch will be served at the church. The family would like to thank the staff at the Lafayette Manor for his excellent care. Hanson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.