Robert A. Larson (“Bob”), Wiota, age 90 passed away at Aster Assisted Living in Monroe on Tuesday, December 13th surrounded with the love of his family. Robert was born on August 7, 1932 in the Township of Wiota to Joseph and Norma (Olson) Larson. He attended Porter Grade school and graduated from South Wayne High School in 1950. Robert and Kathryn Cavanaugh were married on May 15, 1954 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Darlington, and they moved onto their farm near Wiota in 1956. Robert and Kathryn lived their entire lives on their 160 acre dairy farm and treasured their time residing in the Wiota community. Robert was a devoted, hardworking and humble farmer that worked side by side with his brother Richard on adjacent farms. Dad role modeled so many life skills for his children and we are blessed products of his love, generosity and work ethic.
Bob was an active member of the National Farmer Organization, Black Hawk FFA Alumni, Lafayette County 4-H Project Leaders, DNR Hunter Safety and Snowmobile Safety Instructor, Black Hawk Riders Snowmobile Club, and multiple card clubs. Bob was active in many Wiota events and was dedicated to the Wiota community as well as a steadfast volunteer every summer in the Fireman’s 4th of July brat stand.
Connecting with many local friends at the Wiota Mill and “talking shop” was a treasured daily event. Bob also loved to attend the many school events to watch his children and grandchildren compete or perform. He loved to fish, hunt and snowmobile and also attend the county and state fairs. Taking his grandchildren through the livestock barns and then on the carnival rides were summer family traditions. After the farm expanded into Cottonwood Dairy, Bob made daily trips through the entire dairy to ensure everything was working as expected and if anyone needed any help he was always ready to lend a hand.
Bob loved to create and build projects and home furnishings from wood. Constructing many 4-H projects with his children and grandchildren along with building toy barns and farm sets for his grandchildren were passionate projects throughout the years. Grandpa put so much love into these treasured gifts for his grandchildren.
Robert was a devoted member of the Holy Rosary / Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where he volunteered in church activities. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathryn in September of 2018, brothers Donald and Wesley along with numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Robert is survived by his children and their families: Brian (Kaye), Wiota, Mark, South Wayne and Marcia (Jim), Juneau. Grandchildren: Bradley Modaff (Kailey), Sara Allen (Chris), Derek Larson (Paige), Dalton Larson and Ashley Bartol (Matt). Great grandchildren: Kilian, Delanie and Collins Bartol, Ivy and Piper Allen and Baby Larson expected in February. Additionally, his brother Richard, South Wayne, sister-in-law Evelyn Larson, Monroe, Margaret Zimmerman, Darlington, Joanne Monson, Janesville, Joan Cavanaugh, DeForest along with many nieces, nephews and beloved community friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Rev. Luke Syse officiating. Burial will in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 11:30 A.M. until 1:45 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington, WI is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Special thanks to Dr. Matthew Solverson, St. Croix Hospice personnel and the amazing care providers at Aster Assisted Living for taking great care of Dad. Dad loved living at Aster and the special connections made with the residents and staff made his final two years of life filled with friendships and love.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Bob’s name.
