R. Douglas Larsen

R. Douglas Larsen (94) of Fargo died November 14, 2025 at Bethany on 42nd.

Born September 27, 1931 in Kindred, ND. Born to Roger Larsen and Esther (Soroos) Larsen. Moved to Casselton in first grade and graduated from Casselton High in 1949. Participated in many sporting activities and was involved in Boy Scouts attaining the level of Eagle Scout. He developed a passion for photography that stayed with him his whole life.

In 1949, he enrolled at the University of North Dakota. He was a member of the ΣΑΕ Fraternity and lettered in basketball and golf. He played on the basketball team that played the first game in the Hyslop Fieldhouse in 1951. He was active in many other campus organizations. He graduated in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Commerce.

While at UND he met Sally Lystad who would become his wife in 1953. In 1954, Doug was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant. He served stateside in Texas, Colorado and South Carolina. Doug was a Photo Officer working on developing high altitude (40,000 ft) night photography. Their first child, Steven, was born in 1954 in Sumter, SC.

In 1954, he moved back to Fargo and went to work for Eugene Paulson at Epko Camera Service. In 1956 Doug ventured out on his own and with the help of his father opened his first Ben Franklin Store in the Northport Shopping Center. In 1957, second son Eric was born. Daughter Suzanne arrived in 1960. Doug went on to open six more Ben Franklin Stores in North Dakota and Minnesota. By 1987, all three children were involved in the business. Beyond opening his Ben Franklin locations, Doug was a director of Metropolitan Bank for 29 years. His knack for business also led him to serve on the National Advisory Board for Ben Franklin, Inc. He was Director of the Fargo Chamber of Commerce and served as Director of North Dakota Retailers Association.

Doug has made many contributions outside the world of retail, as well. He served as chairman of the board for St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo, and was a member of the UND Alumni Association and UND Foundation Board of Directors. He was president of the Alumni Association from 1997 to 1998. He also received UND's highest honor when he was presented with the Sioux Award in 2003.

Doug was an avid golfer who made many friends throughout his golfing life. The group known as the Norwegian Legion brought many fond memories. He played in many area tournaments and golfed worldwide. He always enjoyed rounds of golf with his family. Doug and Sally enjoyed worldwide travel that usually involved taking a lot of photos.

One of his favorite memories was organizing the Fourth of July grandchildren's parade at Big Floyd Lake. He also was very proud that his children and all of his grandchildren graduated from college.

Doug was very generous with his time for his family, community and church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; sister in law, Ardith; and brother in law, Richard Lystad.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sally; sons, Steven (Hallie), Eric (Jolene); and daughter, Suzanne (Chris) Johnson; sister, Lynda (Joe) Dolejs; grandchildren, Kristine, Scott, Kyle, Kaytlyn, Courtney, Randa, Sydney and Willa; great grandchildren, Ellinor, Henry, Theodore and Otto; and nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11 am. Visitation one hour before service. Memorials can be given to Peace Lutheran, Ethos Hospice or a charity of your choice