Calvin Larson

Calvin Lewis Larson, 51, Bismarck, died April 28, 2004, in a local hospital. Services will be held on Sunday, May 2, at 2:00 PM in the Lynne Center of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Jeff Tengesdal and Rev. Laurie Natwick officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Cal was born June 7, 1952, in Minot, ND to Ralph and Viola Helseth Larson. He was raised and attended schools in Ryder and then graduated from North Shore High School in 1970. Cal graduated from NDSU with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1974. The friendships he made at the Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity were ones he cherished throughout his life. Cal married Rebecca Ann Smith on June 8, 1974 at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo. Cal began working for the Federal Highway Administration and after numerous moves through the next few years one of his mottos became "Never throw a good box away". Cal and Becky settled in Columbus, Ohio for three years before transferring to Bismarck in 1979. Along with his career at the Federal Highway Administration, Cal began farming with his father on the family farm near Ryder. His passion for farming continued until 1998 when he and his father retired from farming. Even though he was no longer farming, the farm remained dear to his heart. After being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease in 2001, Cal continued working until March, 2003 and his retirement from the Federal Highway Administration was finalized in January, 2004. He loved to hunt and fish and passed on this tradition to his sons. Cal drew and filled both ND Elk and Moose Big Game Permits within a four year time frame. He drew the ND Elk tag and filled it in 1995 near Walhalla. He shot his ND Moose in 1999 near Langdon. For many years, he enjoyed his Wednesday night volleyball "buddies". Throughout his disease, Cal was determined to be strong for his family. He treated each day with a positive attitude and a smile. Complaining was not an option for him. Cal's greatest joy was his children. He rarely missed a tennis match or other sporting/ school event. A high point came in March of this year when he and his family made a trip to Florida to watch Jenna play college tennis and to meet her coach and teammates. Cal is survived by his wife, Becky; his daughter, Jenna; his twin sons, Michael and Gregory, all of Bismarck; his brother, Wayne and Betty Larson of Fargo; his sister, Betty and Larry Ledene of Powers Lake; his nephew, Brian Carli Larson; his nieces Mindy Ledene and Robin Larson; his father and mother-in-law, Bud and Helen Smith of Fargo; and several aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Calvin Larson

June 7, 1952 - April 28, 2004