Louis “Louie” Larson

Louis Eugene Larson
"Louie"

Age 93, of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Louie was born on October 18, 1931, in Warren, PA to Gotfred and Violet (née, Spickler) Larson. The second of three children, he grew up on the family farm outside of Harris, MN. He attended grade school in Harris and graduated from North Branch High School in 1949.

Louie worked as a mechanic in North Branch and Forest Lake before being drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry, 5th Army in 1952. Following his service, he met and married Gloria Ekstrand of Rush City in 1956. Together, they raised three children: Thomas, Todd, and Susan.

Louie enrolled at Dunwoody Institute to study automotive mechanics graduating in 1958. His career began with Renault in New York, then returning to MN to work for them as a field manager for the midwest region. He later served as a service rep for Kaiser Jeep and as a sales rep for American Motors Corporation in Brooklyn Park. In 1968, Louie became a pivotal figure in the founding of Gopher Jeep in Burnsville, now Park Chrysler Jeep.

In the mid-1970’s Louie turned his passion for vintage military and civilian Jeeps into a full time business in Lakeville and later Farmington. He was a founding member of the following: Minnesota GO-4-Wheelers (the first 4-wheel drive club in the state), Midwest 4-Wheel Drive Association, and Minnesota Red Bull Historic Military Vehicle Association.

In 2005 the Department of the Army awarded Louie the Certificate of Appreciation for Civilian Patriotic Service for his dedication to the preservation of military Jeep vehicles.

In 2020 Louie defied all odds in his battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome with a 6 month triumphant recovery to walk again. With highest praise, he credited the medical teams at the Mpls VA Hospital for his extended happy years.

Over the decades, Louie and Gloria made many dear friends through his “Jeep Thing” and church. He loved people and was generous, kind and loving, with a positive attitude. He was always willing to lend a hand of support or share a good laugh.

Survived by wife, Gloria; children, Tom (Vicki) Larson, Todd Larson (Laura Van Duren) and Susan Larson; grandchildren, Kaj Larson, Eliot Larson, Travers Tharp and Anna Walter; great-granddaughter, Hailey Larson; nephews and niece, Gary Larson, Glen (Patti) Larson, Elise (David) Hanson and Lee Larson; other loving relatives and loyal friends including the entire vintage Jeep community.

Preceded in death by parents, Gotfred and Viola Larson; and brothers, Clare Larson and Bruce Larson.