Donald (“Swede”) Lee Larson, 90, of Carthage, Illinois, died at 6:41pm on Saturday, December
10, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.
The son of John and Mildred Larson, he was born on October 2, 1932, east of Carthage at his
grandmother’s house. From there they moved to a dairy farm west of Elvaston, where he and
his brother Carl delivered raw milk and cream door-to-door. In 1944, the family moved to
another dairy farm south of Burnside.
Donald attended Elvaston Grade School and then Jubilee School (a one-room school house). He
graduated in 1951 from Carthage High School. He played football and ran track. After school he
enlisted in the army and fought in the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge on
November 5, 1954. After his military duties, he came home and farmed with his dad. He
continued to farm until he moved into Carthage and retired in 2006.
He played softball for many years and loved to hunt quail and pheasant. He was a life-long
Dodgers fan and loved to travel. He made many trips to Las Vegas, South Dakota, and a seed
corn trip to Spain. He enjoyed playing pitch, the slots, and—after moving to town—having
coffee with his friends. He enjoyed going to the Eagles Club and the VFW. He had a knack for
showing up at different places. When he was able, he liked to drive around and see where
everybody was at.
Although he never married, he was very fond of his family, especially his six nephews and one
niece. He worked very hard during his life and saw many changes. He knew how to make a
dollar, and some say he could stretch a dollar.
Survivors include one brother, David Larson of Carthage, IL, and one sister, Virginia Lynn
(Merrill) Pollock of Prophetstown, IL. He is also survived by his nephews and niece: Michael
(Laurie) Larson of Bozeman, MT; Mark (Martha) Larson of Macomb, IL; Brad Pollock of
Prophetstown, IL; Randy (Kathy) Pollock of Prophetstown, IL; Shawn Larson of Carthage, IL,
Shay Larson of Macomb, IL; Shannon (Mostafa) Tanhayi Ahari of Los Angeles, CA; and many
great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Carl William Larson, and sister-in-law Karen
Larson.
Visitation will be held from 9:00am to 11:00am on Friday, December 16. Services will be at
11:00am at the Burnside Christian Church. Burial will be in the McKay Cemetery south of
Burnside. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Burnside Christian Church or to the Illinois Veterans Home of
Quincy, Illinois.