David L. Larsen DATE CHANGE

Obituary

David Ludvig Larsen was born on February 13, 1939, in Warren, Minnesota, to Reverend Lars and Ruth Larsen. Dave spent his early childhood in Stephen, Minnesota, before the family moved to Moorhead in 1947. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1957 and earned his degree from Concordia College in Moorhead in 1961.

On May 28, 1960, Dave was united in marriage to Zondra F. Ludwig. Together they built a life grounded in love, faith, and deep commitment to each other. Dave often said that the best decision he ever made was accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior — and the second best was marrying Zondra.

From 1961 to 1963, Dave and Zondra lived in Echo, Minnesota, where he worked as a teacher and coach. He continued his teaching and coaching career in Glencoe from 1963 to 1967. In 1967, Dave and his family moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, where he served as a teacher, head wrestling coach, and assistant football coach until 1976. He also helped establish the local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), combining his love of sports with his commitment to faith and mentorship.

In 1976, Dave became the Activities Director at Hutchinson High School, a role he held with dedication and pride until his retirement in 1993. Under his leadership, Hutchinson’s extracurricular programs flourished. He was known for his organization, steady presence, strong work ethic, and genuine care for every person he came in contact with. His focus was not on winning and instead always asked, “Did you do your best?”

After retiring from the school system, Dave continued his work in education through school fundraising services from 1993 to 2003. Always eager to help others live healthier and more fulfilling lives, he then worked with the nutrition supplement company Eniva Corporation beginning in 2003, sharing his interest in wellness and health with the same heart and integrity that marked every chapter of his life.

In retirement, Dave remained active in his church and community, while participating in weekly bible study and attending local sporting events. He was a great storyteller who valued building authentic relationships. Within the last year he gave over 400 pocket crosses to people he met while sharing Jesus’ message of hope, forgiveness, love and salvation.

Dave cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, enjoyed traveling with family, and relished sharing memories and telling stories. He liked watching and talking about all types of sports both local and state. Dave’s other great love - besides Zondra and Jesus - was playing golf. He spent many days playing rounds of golf with his friends, where he was known as the best putter.

Dave’s love of talking to people was renowned, and he was often observed with a phone in his hand. Our world will unfortunately be a quieter place, but Jesus has definitely gained a great spokesperson in Heaven.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Zondra; his sons, Mike Larsen (Susie) and Matt Larsen (Jody); his grandchildren, Sophia, Grace, and Maxx; his brother-in-law Don Rice; sister-in-law Deanna (Bill) Ellingson; sister-in-law Donna (Curt) Mark; brother-in-law Dean (Debi) Ludwig; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his three infant baby girls; his sister, Naomi Rice; his brother, Abel Larsen; his sister-in-law, Vivian Larsen; his parents, Reverend Lars and Ruth Larsen; his father and mother-in-law, Harley and Florence Ludwig; and his sister-in-law, Dawn Rae Ludwig.