Gene Larson

Gene Curtis Larson, 91, of Red Wing, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020, at home with his children Sara and Greg by his side.

Gene was born February 27, 1929 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Oscar and Emma (Spangrud) Larson. He grew up in Taylor and graduated from high school in Whitehall in 1947.  Gene served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949-1952 as an Airman First Class. He was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California where he was a mechanic on B29 and B36 airplanes.     Gene received his Associates Degree in Accounting and Business Law from the Minnesota School of Business in 1955. He worked for a short time as a bookkeeper at the Red Wing Pottery, before joining Central Research Laboratories where he worked as an accountant and office manager for 34 years.  He enjoyed all of his years at "The Lab" and would frequently demonstrate the robotic models for out of town guests. In retirement Gene drove for the Red Wing Shoe Company.

In June of 1955 Gene married Beatrice Skogstad at Trempealeau Valley in Wisconsin.  They moved to Red Wing and had two children. Gene lost Beatrice in June of 1996.    During his years in Red Wing, Gene was active in United Lutheran Church as an usher and a member of the men's cooking team. Gene was also a member of the American Legion, the Noontime Kiwanis Club, and he was an avid golfer.    Gene spent most of the past 23 years with his longtime companion and special friend Beverly Hawkenson. Together they enjoyed traveling around the country, visiting family and friends, attending community and family events, and volunteering at the Red Wing Area Food Shelf. When Gene was not with Bev, he could usually be found having breakfast with the guys at Randy's.

Gene is survived by his children and grandchildren, Sara, Robert, Robert, Jr., and Jennifer Brana of San Diego, CA; Greg,  Sandy (Streb), and Annika Larson of Brownsville, TX; special friend Beverly Hawkenson of Red Wing; niece Lucille Bjerke of Decorah, IA and her children Lee Bjerke and Kari Pollock and their families; sister in law Anne Larson of New Lisbon, WI; brother in law Richard Skogstad of Kenosha, WI and his children Scott Skogstad and Karen Kiersting and their families. He is further survived by his "Minnesota Family", Blake Hawkenson; Joyann and Warren Johnson; Brady, Morgan, Elliott, and Louis Johnson; Matt, Hillary (Johnson), and Nora Thom; Parker Johnson; Everett and Carolyn Smith and family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beatrice, brother Otis Larson, and sister Phyllis Smith.

A celebration of life will be held next summer in Red Wing. Gene always enjoyed family reunions and the family looks forward to fellowship with friends and extended family at that time. Memorials can be made to United Lutheran Church in Red Wing.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.