Service Information
David L. Larsen, age 86, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service at the church.
Service will be livestreamed via Christ the King Lutheran Church website page https://ctkhutch.com/live
Memorials preferred to Christ the King Church or Hutchinson High School Athletics Department.
Military Honors by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
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.
Lori and Brian Kaping says
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers
Marlys Leupke Timm says
Our sincere sympathy Zondra
and family
I’m so glad I talked with Mr Larson a couple weeks before his passing
He was a special teacher and coach well liked by our Echo Class of 63’
Jerry A. Johnson says
I am sure I am not the only that will say this. Mr. Larsen had a big impact on my life. I was a high school student in Echo, Minnesota when he started his teaching career there. In addition to being my favorite teacher, he was our football coach. I respected him, and that influenced my decision to attend Concordia College, his alma mater. I had a wonderful experience at Concordia, and I will always appreciate Mr. Larsen for setting me on that path.
Marlys Leupke Timm says
MR Larsen was our history teacher at Echo in our Junior year 61-62
He also was the football coach and had phy. ed.
I kept in touch with him and last spoke with him about a week before he passed away
Rest in Peace
Marlys Leupke Timm says
I last spoke with Mr Larsen about a week before he passed away
He was ready to be with our Lord and Savior
Rest in Peace
Nancy Sweet says
Zondra.. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.. Nancy (Skogen) Sweet.
Joy Ust McLan says
So very sorry to hear you lost your loving mate! I sooo know how sad you feel ! My sympathy to you and your family. May you treasure his memory !! Joy
Rolf Nelson says
Zondra,
Sympathies to you on the loss of Dave, your life-long mate. Mr. Larson was an inspiration to everyone around him. As a football coach he led our Echo team to an undefeated season in 1962. He coached the fundamentals and sometimes even put on pads and scrimmaged with the team. Coach Larson was a true leader.
Ernie Busack says
Sondra,
Sorry for Your loss.
Mr. Larson (Dave) gave us all a model to look up to. He treated us all with respect. His demeanor was relaxed, but whatever He asked us to do was done without question. I believe his leadership was a God given gift. He will be missed and always remembered.
Linda (Froemming) Muennich says
Mrs. Larsen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Not sure if you will remember me, but I used to babysit your boys for you. Yes, many years ago! Mr. Larsen was one of my favorite teachers in Jr. High and this makes me sad to hear of his passing! May our Heavenly Father surround you with his love and comfort as you navigate through this time of loss and grief!
Clyde Redetzke says
Mr.Larsen was very much admired,
he inspired us to do our best in whatever we engaged in.
Dave was often thought of.
During our phone conversation a few weeks ago we talked about the many memories in our lives.
I will always remember Mr. Larsen as one of the best.
Kevin Frederickson says
Dave was my teacher and wrestling coach at Glencoe. He set an example of working hard, being dedicated to the effort and being gracious in victory or defeat. It was easy to look up to Mr. Larsen as he personified many things a young person should strive for.
My sympathies to Zondra and family.
Kevin Frederickson
Glencoe class of 1968
Doug Schmidt says
I was saddened to learn of Coach Larsen’s passing — a man I admired and looked up to.
Jan Klabunde says
My Sympathy to the family. God will give you strength during this sad time. Sending my prayers to the family . But he is home now.
Thanks for Dave for his many years of beyond awesome effort in making the H>H>S Activities Department first class. I was blessed to know him and the family.
Take Care, Love and God blessings Zondra
Lottie Kottke says
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I started working at Hutch High School the summer of 1976 when Dave had just become AD and I enjoyed his smiling face and kindness.
Lisa Ishihara says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will always be thankful for, and remember Dave for his kindness and warmth. When you talked with Dave you knew he truly cared. What a life well lived and what a wonderful witness he was for Jesus! The last time I talked to him it was Christmastime. We bumped into each other at Trees and Traditions and had a nice chat. He was upbeat, as always, and gave my mom and I each a stone cross. That will be a special memory. Heaven has gained a wonderful spokesperson!
Hugs to all of you!
Lisa Bowen Ishihara