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Hartley Larson

Hartley Larson

CRYSTAL FALLS — Hartley Grandin Larson, 92, of Crystal Falls, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls.

He was born on March 20, 1928, in Grand Marais, Minn., to Rev. Alfred and Emma (Anderson) Larson. Hartley attended schools in Alberta, Canada, Grand Marias, Norway, and graduated high school from Atwater, Minn.

He then served in the United States Navy and after returning from service, graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1952, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Hartley also received a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. Earlier in his career, he taught and coached in the Powers, Felch, and the Crystal Falls school system. In 1961, Hartley changed careers and worked in sales for IBM for 22 years when he retired.

He married Ruth Ellen Solberg from Felch in 1953. They lived mostly in Marquette where they raised their six children.

Hartley enjoyed volunteering for the Golden Wildcat Club and Marquette Golf and Country Club where he served as president of both. He was active in both the Marquette youth hockey and baseball coaching programs and supported his children in their interests. In their later years, Hartley and Ruth Ellen retired to their lake home on Lake Mary in Crystal Falls.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Ruth Ellen; four sons, Steve Larson of Paonia, Colo., Mark Larson of Crystal Falls, Jon Larson of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Tom (Caroline) Larson of Wausau, Wis.; two daughters, Linda Larson Erspamer of East Lansing, Mich., and Barbara Larson Elingsen of Sheboygan, Wis.; one brother, Adrian (Lois) Larson of Pipestone, Minn.; and by 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Hartley was preceded in death by one half-brother, Gordon Bredison.

In accordance with Hartley’s wishes, private family services will be held. Graveside services will be acknowledged at a later date. Burial will be in Felch Cemetery in Felch.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Hartley’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs – Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls, to honor Hartley’s legacy of life.