Dr. Ernest John Larson, Jr.

Ernest John Larson Jr., MD, , age 93, of Summit Place in Eden Prairie, went to be with his Lord on February 18, 2022, at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN after a brief illness. Ernest was born on May 3, 1928 in Fargo, ND, to the late Ernest John Larson Sr. and Grace Harriet Fraser Larson. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1946. After attending Jamestown College for two years, Ernest earned a B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska, where he went on to become licensed as an MD in 1954. Post-graduate studies at the University of Minnesota certified him as an ophthalmologist. After receiving his MD, Ernest served in the Navy and Naval Reserves from 1956 until 1969. While doing a residency in Raleigh, NC, he met a bright, beautiful nurse, Anne Dieffenbach. He always said he had to ask her out three or four times before she could find time for him. However, once they started dating, she found more time, and they went on to marry on June 28, 1956. They lived in Paris Island, SC for a few years before moving to the Twin Cities. Besides practicing medicine for 20 years in Edina, Ernest pursued a range of other interests. He taught ophthalmology at the U. of Minnesota as an associate professor for a number of years; he oversaw a number of farming and business interests; he trained missionary doctors in the Ubangi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo to perform eye surgery; and he volunteered at the Faribault State Hospital and the Stillwater State Prison. In addition, Ernest was a member of Toastmasters and Rotary club for years. He also actively participated in several Bible studies and was a member of Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN. Throughout his life, Ernest valued the summers of his youth spent with aunts, uncles, and cousins on the family homestead in Viborg, SD. He also had a life-long love of trains, traveling, and telling others about Jesus. In fact, Ernest was probably happiest if he could combine trains, travel, talking about Jesus, and time with his family. Dearest to his heart, in 2001 he founded the TransAfrican Education Network (TEN), a ministry that trains pastors in French-speaking Africa. Surviving are his three devoted children: Katrina Wolinski (Jeff), Charles (Patricia) Larson and Andrew (Ingrid) Larson, twelve beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Larson; Anna, Maria, and Evelyn Wolinski; Peter (fiancée Julianne) and Jane (fiancé Patrick) Larson; and John, Eva, Sylvia, Sophia, James, and Henry Larson; two precious great-grandchildren, and several dear nieces, nephews, and dear cousins. He was predeceased by his dearly loved wife, Anne, his devoted son, Joseph Larson, loving daughter-in-law Gail Larson, beloved grandchildren Amy and Eric Larson, and his dear brother Robert Larson. Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation on March 7th at 10:00, with the memorial service at 11:00 and a luncheon to follow, at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Enter at Door 2. The service will be live-streamed at Grace.church/ernielarson. If desired, memorial donations can be made in Ernest's name to TransAfrican Education Network at 7241 Ohms Lane, Suite 125, Edina, MN 55439.

Tributes

Dr. Ernest John Larson, Jr.

May 3, 1928 - February 18, 2022

Tributes

Dr. Ernest John Larson, Jr.

May 3, 1928 - February 18, 2022

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