Allen Lewis Larson, 78, lifelong Minot area resident and farmer, died Saturday, February 19, 2011, in a Minot Hospital.

Allen was born October 25, 1932, in Harrison Township of Ward County, North Dakota, the son of Louis and Aletta (Watne) Larson. He was raised on the Watne family farm in Harrison Township and educated at Harrison Township School. He graduated from Minot Model High School in 1950, and was united in marriage to Bonnie Dillon on October 23, 1955, at Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot.

They made their home on the Larson family homestead in Burt Township, where along with raising their four children, they farmed throughout the years, raising small grains and livestock.

Allen was a member of First Lutheran Church, Minot, along with the Minot Elks Lodge and Eagles Aerie. He served on the Harrison School Board and the Burt Township Board and was a member of the Minot Model Alumni Association. Allen loved sports and had excelled in basketball and football during high school. He also took great satisfaction in watching his grandchildren play various sports throughout the years. Allen and Bonnie especially enjoyed their time camping and fishing at Lake Sakakawea, along with trips to Canada.

His loving family includes : wife of fifty-five years, Bonnie; children, Michael (LeeAnn) Larson, Makoti, Mark (Denise) Larson, Minot, Jeff (Michelle) Larson, Minot, Shelley (Bob) Condon, Waxhaw, N.C.; grandchildren, Eugena, Allison & Jamie Larson; Kalvin, Katelyn, & Kolton Larson, Matthew & McKenna Larson, Garrett & Seth Condon; great-granddaughter, Bridget Carlsten; sister, Esther (Jim) Rost, Seattle, WA; brother, Lowell (Rita) Larson, Minot; many nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; brother, LeRoy; and sisters, Ottine Durand and Doris Carlson.

Funeral service: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials to First Lutheran Church or an organization of the donor's choice.