Chester Larson

Chester Larson, age 106, of Appleton, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021, in Appleton Health Services-Care Center.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 19, 2021, at Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel in Appleton.  Visitation will resume Noon-1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church-Shible Township.  Burial will follow in the Appleton City Cemetery.  Pastor Donald Klatt will officiate.

Chester Kenneth Larson was born October 17, 1914, at home, in Artichoke Township, Swift County, Minnesota, to parents Michael and Minda (Stenstuen) Larson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Drywood Church, Artichoke Township.  Chester was raised in Artichoke Township where he attended school at District 65 in Correll through the Eighth Grade.  On November 6, 1938, Chester was united in marriage to Erna Johannah Schrock at her parent’s home in Shible Township.  This union was blessed with 68 years together and four children: Marcella, Virgil, Sandra, and Arden.

Chester began his farming career by helping his Dad and other area farmers.  Eventually he and Erna bought a farm in Shible Township where they farmed until Chester’s retirement at age 65.  The couple moved to Appleton where he worked at the Appleton City Cemetery for 2 years and also trimmed shrubbery for several people.

Chester was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township, where in his younger years, he was a Trustee.  He enjoyed woodworking, refinishing furniture, repairing old toys, gardening and working in the yard.  Chester loved to dance and he and Erna enjoyed many nights dancing together.  He lived in his home until age 98, when he then moved to the Care Center.  After Erna passed away he played many games of dominoes with family and friends, which he continued to do even in recent years.  Chester liked to take rides in the country, looking at crops and the beauty of the change of seasons…especially the fall colors.

Chester passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021, in Appleton Health Services-Care Center.  He attained 106 years, 8 months and 28 days of age.  Chester is survived by his children: Virgil (Karen) Larson of Annandale, Sandra Schake of Ortonville, and Arden (Karen) Larson of Moorhead; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Gerda Saulsbury of Willmar; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Erna Larson; his daughter, Marcella Westhausen; his sons-in-law, Bernard Westhausen and Loren Schake; his grandson, Doug Schake; his siblings: Melvin (Alice) Larson, Luella (Clarence) Jagow, Mildred (Howard) VanWinkle, Eleanor (Willard) Anderson; and his brother-in-law, Ken Saulsbury.  Blessed be the memory of Chester Kenneth Larson.