Omer Larson

Omer “Lars” Larson 94, formerly from Grand Forks died Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Omer Richard Larson, a child of the Great Depression, was born December 1, 1931 in Roseau, MN. He was the son of Carl and Gerda (Carlson) Larson. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and attended a one room school. He grew up fluent in Swedish on his parent’s farm in the Pencer area of Roseau County. Omer graduated from Roseau High School in 1950 and earned a B.A degree in 1954 from UND with a major in Biology. Through ROTC, he received a 2nd Lieutenant’s commission in the Army Reserve. He served in Austria and Germany until 1956.

Using the GI Bill, Lars, as he was known to all, began graduate studies at UND but soon transferred to the University of Minnesota earning a master’s degree in 1960 and Ph.D. in 1963, with emphasis in parasitology. While studying at UND he met his future wife, Patricia Saumur. They married September 10, 1960, at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. Four precious daughters, Kristin, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Margaret were born in the 1960’s. They were a source of pride as they grew up to be strong and accomplished women.

Lars was a professor of Biology at UND for 32 years. He served as department chair for three years and associate dean of Arts and Sciences for two years. He received two outstanding teaching awards. Lars also enjoyed eight summers teaching and doing research at the U of M Biology Station at Lake Itaska. He was honored to serve at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He retired in 1995 and remained busy for two years writing the history of the Biology Department for UND’s 125th anniversary.

Lars was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church for nearly thirty years. At Augustana he found a spiritual home and Swedish heritage that made him feel richly blessed.

He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 66 years, sister Luanne Felch (Roger), daughters Kristin Larson (Kelly Sturgis), Kate Hellem (Daniel), Libby Kroeber (Scott), and Peggy Freeman (Andrew), grandchildren William Freeman, Sarah Harper, Anna Freeman-Beachy, Abby Ringwelski, John Kroeber, and Maria Kroeber, as well as three great grandchildren, Vivian, Rafael, and Nina.

A Celebration of Life (family directed) will take place at 11 am Saturday, October 24th at Augustana Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, with visitation at 10am to 11am, service from 11am to 12pm and a luncheon will follow.

Inurnment at a later date in Calvery Cemetery North.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church or St Joseph’s Food Pantry in Grand Forks.