DEAN LYLE LARSON

May 30, 1933 - August 18, 2026

A Life of Service, Humor, and Devotion

Dean Lyle Larson, 93, passed away at his home in West Fargo, North Dakota, on August 18, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, business owner, and community leader, Dean lived a life marked by service, humor, hard work, and steadfast care for others.

Dean was born May 30, 1933, in Hettinger, North Dakota, to Harry and Hedvig Larson of Bucyrus, North Dakota. From an early age, he carried with him a deep commitment to kindness, dependability, and hard work.

Dean served his country with honor in the U.S. Army and the North Dakota National Guard, retiring in 1993. While stationed with the U.S. Army at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, he married the love of his life, Ramona Ostby, on February 8, 1957.

After his military service, Dean and Ramona moved to Hettinger, where Dean became a master electrician, business owner, scout troop leader, and volunteer firefighter. He later worked at Knife River Coal until his retirement in 1995.

Dean became a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1967. Through the charity-based service organization, he served in many offices and was elected President of the Dakotas chapter more than once. Dean and Ramona were especially devoted to supporting Home on the Range through fundraising and service.

Among Dean's most memorable charitable traditions was the lighthearted "Norwegian briefcase," a pair of jockey briefs fitted with a briefcase handle, which was used by the Fraternal Order of Eagles to raise funds for Home on the Range.

Throughout his life, Dean brought dedication and purpose to every role he held-serving his country, building his career, supporting causes close to his heart, and caring deeply for his family.

Dean is survived by his son, Dennis Larson (Laura) of Denver, Colorado; two daughters, Diane Larson (Nate Elvrum) and Darci Stinar (Glenn), both of Fargo, North Dakota; and two grandsons, Jacob Stinar (Quincy) of South Korea and Andrew Stinar of Fargo, North Dakota.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Ramona Larson, who passed away in 2019; his parents, Harry and Hedvig Larson; and his sisters, Doreen Norton and Dorothy Eide.

A service with burial and military honors will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota, on September 10 at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Home on the Range, 16351 I-94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654, by email at joleno@hotrnd.com, or online at hotrnd.com.

Dean's spirit, humor, and example of a life well lived will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND