Roger W. Larsen

A recording of the funeral service will be available to watch, but family has requested to view it prior to it appearing on our website.

Roger W. Larsen, Colonel (Ret.), of West Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on February 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He showed incredible strength and determination, striving to be present for each milestone in his family’s lives and treasuring every moment he was given.

Roger was born on December 22, 1946, to Ralph and Betty Larsen. Raised in West Fargo, he remained deeply rooted in the community throughout his life. After graduating from high school, he attended North Dakota State University, earning a degree in Animal Science. During this time, he completed the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

He completed Graduate Navigator Training and was assigned as a navigator on C-130 transport aircraft at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. During the Vietnam War, Roger served 15 months in Taiwan and Southeast Asia before being discharged from active duty in 1973. His distinguished military career continued with the North Dakota Air National Guard, where he served in numerous roles, including: Weapons Systems Officer flying F-101 and F-4 aircraft, Executive Officer to the Wing Commander, Support Group Commander, Maintenance Commander, and Logistics Group Commander.

Among his proudest military accomplishments was serving on a crew awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for supplying the South Vietnamese Army with food and ammunition and transporting refugees to safety during the Tet Offensive. In total, Roger faithfully served his country from 1968 until his retirement in 2002.

On July 11, 1996, Roger married Janal Anderson, in Fargo, North Dakota. Their love remained steadfast for 29 years — a partnership marked by devotion, resilience, and unwavering support.

Beyond his notable military career, Roger’s lifelong passion was farming. Raised on the family farm, he began working the land at just seven years old and eagerly anticipated each planting and harvest season. He could often be found organizing tools in the machine shed, tinkering with new projects, and meticulously caring for the yard. Following his retirement, Roger remained actively involved in farming and served ten years as a co-pilot for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and WDAY, transporting local reporters to North Dakota State Bison football games, deepening his pride in the Bison.

Roger devoted more than 18 years to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in need. In recognition of his selfless service, he was honored with the Harvey Stalwick Award for volunteerism — a testament to the quiet generosity and steady commitment he brought to everything he did. He also dedicated time in helping build the addition to Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church and contributed his skills to numerous building and maintenance projects at Bonanzaville and the Fargo Air Museum.

Roger was a loving father, devoted husband, proud grandpa, and caring brother. He is survived by his wife, Janal; his children: Alexia (Jason) Hohol-Taege of De Pere, WI; Jade (Curtis Lauinger) Larsen of Horace, ND; Matthew (Catie) Larsen of Kalispell, MT; Lindsey Larsen of Fargo, ND; and Shelby Larsen of West Fargo, ND; his grandchildren: Abigail (fiancé Quincy Gerrits) Hohol, Ethan Hohol, Grant Hohol, Svea Larsen, Ruby Larsen, and Tjorben Larsen; and his brothers, Robert (Catherine) Larsen and Russ (Vickie) Larsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Betty Larsen, and his son-in-law, Wade Hohol.

Roger will be remembered for his dedication to service, strong work ethic, servant leadership, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy of integrity, humility, and steadfast love will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Those wishing to honor Roger’s memory are invited to consider memorials to his favorite non-profits: Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church (8711 40th Ave NW, Harwood, ND 58042) with visitation held an hour before. A private burial at the Fargo National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

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