Jerry Gordon Larsen, 63, of Centuria, Wisconsin, the son of Gordon and Gloria Schwartz-Larsen, passed away on Dec. 20, 2023, at home from complications of brain cancer, with his wife, Stephanie, son, Joshua, and his faithful dog, Molly Rose, to watch over him. Jerry was born Oct. 21, 1960, in Amery, Wisconsin. He was a confirmed member of Milltown Lutheran Church and Joy Lutheran Church. The family is grateful for all the help provided by Adoray Home Hospice.
In 1991, Jerry married his blind date, Stephanie Olson, after swearing he would never marry. Jerry even offered his future in-laws a handmade wooden photo album as his Swedish tradition. Thus, starting the “Damn Dane, Damn Swede” saga. He was happy to welcome into life his two sons, Joshua and Jonathan, and daughter, Anna.
Jerry graduated from Unity High School in 1978. After graduation, he entered into dairy farming with his brother and parents, forming WIS-LAR Farms Inc., turning down a full scholarship to Iowa State in computers. He attended WITC in New Richmond for ag mechanics. After high school he sold Dairy Trac computer software. In 2006 the farm transitioned over to beef and the opening of Larsen Family Meats to accommodate the request and to have an outlet for the kid’s 4-H animal projects.
Jerry obtained his American Farmer degree in 1980. He was also recognized by Hoard’s Dairyman for his achievements in computer use to improve the farm’s dairy herd production to over 20,000 pounds and be the first farm in the state of Wisconsin to achieve this. He was a member of the South Milltown 4-H Club receiving the 4-H Key and Lifetime Achievement awards. Jerry was also a member of Interstate Dart League, Tuesday night men’s and Friday night mixed doubles bowling league at McKenzie Lanes, Unity and Luck FFA Alumni, state FFA District 1 representative, Polk County Ag Advocates, Dairy Farmers of America Young Cooperative, Tri-State Breeders Board representative, Past Master of the Frederic Masonic Lodge, and 32nd degree Scottish Rites. He also loved traveling and learning about American history. Jerry planned to visit all the presidential libraries and to see the Smithsonian. Jerry had a passion for collecting history books, Garfields and coins. He was an avid home canner, selling his products during sweet-corn season at the roadside stand until 2022 when a car flew over the family. Jerry loved to post his recipes on the Larsen Family Meats store website.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Stephanie Olson-Larsen of Centuria; sons, Joshua Larsen of Centuria and Jonathan Larsen of Monona, Wisconsin; daughter, Anna Larsen of Madison, Wisconsin; sister, Jeanne and Albert Alling of Centuria; sister-in-law, Evelyn Larsen of Milltown, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and brothers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and Gordon Larsen; and brother, Jim Larsen.
Services will be held at Milltown House of Faith, Milltown, with visitation on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 4-6 p.m., and funeral on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral at the Milltown Cemetery. The family asks you to bring a picture of Jerry to be displayed and then put in a photo album for the family.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
