Ron Larson

Ronald (Ron) Tenny Larson, age 60, departed this earthly life and entered eternal life on January 19, 2026. Born on January 31, 1965, in Farmington, MN, to Ronald and Grace (Warren) Larson. Ron moved with his family to Harwood, ND, at the age of two. His childhood was filled with playful pranks from his older brothers and imaginative adventures with his sister. Guided by his parents’ example of hard work, Ron learned to fix and create whatever was needed, always taking time to add a joke. This made him, as Grace would say, “the greatest and easiest person to work with.” Ron graduated from West Fargo High School in 1984.

On May 5, 1989, Ron married the love of his life, Jacqueline Ellenson—his “Jackpot.” Together, they built a beautiful life in Harwood, raising three children. In their 36 years of marriage, they remained the best dynamic duo. Together, they established Larson Repair, fixed and flipped houses, and updated their children’s dream homes. They always found the nearest casino on their travels, but their greatest victories were the perfect garage sale finds. Ron filled their life with laughter—through poems, voicemails, and his quick jokes. He showed his family that marriage is the most important relationship, and that you can remain so in love after many years together.

Generosity and selflessness defined Ron’s character. His long list of auto repair customers often became friends—because if you met Ron, you wanted to be around him more and more. He was honest, intelligent, and above all, always fair in his work. He could solve any mystery vehicle problem and provide giggles (and his own) for free. Ron took time to explain how he found the problem and was a natural teacher. Anyone near his work or latest project would be handed a tool, taught how to begin, and guided through each step.

Ron devoted his greatest efforts to his family. He taught his children to be strong, to take the leaps that life provides, and to trust that hard work would always pay off. Above all, he cherished his most prized title, “Poppie,” as a grandfather to his five grandchildren. He was there for every milestone, their biggest cheerleader, and had a silly nickname for each that fit perfectly. He was famous for getting “nap-trapped” in the rocking chair, always with a bag of chips, snuggling all afternoon. Ron attended every school and sports event, entertaining everyone with his side-announcing, cheering, and dancing for every good play. His favorite times were spent sharing the beloved lake place with his grandchildren—building sandcastles, playing DJ with “Poppie music” on the pontoon, and starting art projects. This was his happy place: toes in the sand, warm sun on his face, and the sound of his grandchildren’s laughter.

Ron was a true light in this world. He and his family spent nights at the lake under the stars, searching for shooting stars—yet he was their biggest shooting star. Full of brilliance, he made a quick impact on others and constantly lifted up those around him. Though his time on Earth felt far too short, it was rare, beautiful, and truly magical.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline of Harwood; their children, Stephanie (Jim) Peterson, Greg (Emily) Larson, and Jessie (Davis) Dube; and their grandchildren, Harlynn, Whitley, and Bennett Peterson, Tenny Larson, and Garrison Dube. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Howard and Cathy Larson, Clementine and Brian Buzick; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Diane and Preston Stephens, Cheryl and Allen Grenz, Shelly and Gerald Neisen, sister-in-law Patty Larson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Grace Larson; his brother, Daniel Larson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harlan and Verna Ellenson; his brother-in-law, Robert Ellenson; and nephews, Michael Neisen and Jon Larson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church - North Campus in Fargo, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M.

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