Delmer Kenneth Larson

Delmer K. Larson 

December 10, 1933 • May 7, 2025

Delmer Kenneth Larson was born December 10, 1933 in Benson, Minnesota on a cold snowy night at his home.  He was the son of Hans Christian Larson and Emma Helene Torguson.  Del or [Bubby] as he was known to family and friends in Benson was the 5th of six children, four girls and two boys.  He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.

He grew up in Benson attending grade school at south side elementary and graduated from Benson High school in 1952.  Before he had even graduated, he was already starting his newspaper printing apprenticeship at the Swift County Benson Monitor, a career that would span 50+ years.  

September 29, 1956, he married his sweetheart Ardis Mae Svea at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren in their 68+ years together.  

Del joined the Army and was sent to Fort Bragg, NC in February of 1957 where Ardis joined him as soon as he was done with boot camp; it was there in August of 1957 that Julie was born.  They would spend the next two years in NC.  Del was honorably discharged and he and Ardis moved back to Benson where he would resume his position at the Benson Monitor.  It was in August of 1961 that James Alan was born.

In September of 1965, Del and Ardis moved their family from Benson to Seattle, Washington.  It was in July 1968 that they would welcome Jodi Annette to the family.  Del started working at News Publishing Company and worked there for many years; he would also work at the Seattle Times.  It was at News Publishing that he and Ardis would meet some of their closest friends and are still close today 60 years later.  He would later start working at Western Type in Seattle until he retired from the newspaper business in 1998.  Del loved his career, was very dedicated and a very hard worker although he would tell you he never worked a day in his life.  That’s how much he loved the newspaper business.

He and Ardis lived in Seattle, Alderwood Manor, Edmonds and Lynnwood before moving out to Camano Island in 2002.  They joined Our Saviors Lutheran Church and have been very active members.  

Del attained the age of 91 years, four months and 27 days before being called home to heaven.  Del is in heaven celebrating with his parents, siblings and their spouses, several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and many dear friends. 

Del was a man satisfied with the simple things, a man who gave so much and never asked for anything in return.  While he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit and the love he shared will continue to live on in each of us.  

Thank you all for being with us to honor our Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Poppy.  He will be so deeply missed, but his legacy of love and laughter will remain with us always.

Del’s [Bub] celebration of life service will be Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Stannwood Washington. The service will be live streamed and on YouTube for anyone who would like to join family and friends in celebrating a life very well lived. Here is the link:  https://youtube.com/live/E50UYcPKE9A?feature=share which people can use to watch the memorial.