Ralph Edward Larson

Ralph Edward Larson, age 81 of Leonardville, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka. He was born on October 12, 1935 at Riley, the son of Carl Oscar Emanuel and Clara Minnie (Layher) Larson. He graduated from Riley High School. In high school, he finished third in the state in the mile run. He was married to Lela Weir on October 21, 1956 and to this union two children were born, Nathan and Denise. She preceded him in death in 1962. He then married Joyce Holte on August 16, 1964. She preceded him in death in 1993. On June 17, 1994, he was married to Mary Walters. She survives of the home. Ralph was a life long farmer and raised certified seed wheat for most of those years. He was a member of the Walsburg Lutheran Church, Riley County Young Farmers and served as a board member for the local Farm Home Administration. He enjoyed going to the state fair and on cruises and bus tours. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Nathan Larson and Suzie of Riley, Denise Threewit and David of Riley, Wade Walters and Cindy of Riley, Vickie Huff and Rodney of Riley and Donna Saunders and Todd of Lillington, North Carolina; two brothers, Carl Larson and Jane of Leonardville and Roy Larson and Debbie of Leonardville; one sister, Joyce Troyer and Daryl of Manhattan; ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Lela Larson and Joyce Larson and one son, Rick Adams. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 at the Walsburg Lutheran Church with Rev. Keith Wiens officiating. Respect calls may be made anytime Thursday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley. The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in the Riley Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Walsburg Lutheran Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.