LaVerne "Shorty" Larson
La Verne “Shorty” Larson, 87 of Kellogg, passed away peacefully at home early Friday morning, September 10, 2021. He was born in Montevideo, MN and raised in Watson, MN. On December 31, 1957, he married Constance “Connie” Battey in Robbinsdale, MN. They moved to Kellogg, MN in 1965 to run the Prairie Bait Shop. He and his wife Connie ran the business while raising six children. Connie passed away in 1999, leaving Shorty to run the business. He was open seven days a week 365 days a year. He was a true legend in the community.
Having many jobs including farming, road construction, apartment manager to name a few. While managing apartments in Minneapolis, he received a call from brothers-in-law about possibly helping his father-in-law, Richard Battey, run a bait shop in Kellogg. Knowing he was raising kids, he and his wife decided to move to a small town so his kids could have a better life. He loaded up the station wagon and headed south to embark on a never-ending adventure. He and his wife purchased the bait shop from Connie’s father. The name of the business was changed to Prairie Bait Shop. He also worked at Frontenac Ski Chalet, Axley Brothers Sawmill, and helped build Highway 61, all while raising kids.
Shorty went on many fishing and hunting trips. He would make as many as two trips a year to Canada fishing and taking five-six people a trip. He would return home, re-stock camping supplies and food; then head to Canada with another group. There were always people waiting in line to take the next trip with him.
He went on hunting trips and was proud of his long list of harvests. It meant food on the table. In the summer of 1975, he lost a daughter to drowning. She was one of his pride and joys. Things were never quite the same.
Life went on to more adventures. He claimed a quote “Jack of all Trades, Master of None.” We all knew different he was a Master of All!
He was a true, genuine, no bars held back kind of man. He told it like it was. You met him and loved him immediately. He was one of the kindest men you would meet. Sitting in the Bait Shop, drinking coffee, lighting up a smoke, and stories of a lifetime. So many of his customers are now kids and grandkids of previous patrons. He retired at the age of 67, but never stopped working. There was always something to do. The town went dark for many on Friday, September 10, when our icon went home to be with our mom. His name will live on in our little big town. Rest in peace, Dad.
He is survived by his children: Lynn (Edward) Richards, Wabasha; Lonnie Larson, Kellogg; Lyle (Mandy) Larson, Kellogg; Loren (Deanna) Larson, Wabasha; Leigh (Lori) Larson, Kellogg; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brothers: Wallace (Audrey) Larson, Roseville, MN; Leon (Patsy) Larson, Oshkosh, WI; sister Ardelle Lamo, Minneapolis, MN: brother-in-law Richard Battey “Jr”, Rochester, MN; sisters-in-law: Pat Larson, Coon Rapids, MN; Marge Larson, Mound, MN; Lorraine Larson, Watson, MN; Norma Battey, River Falls, WI; many many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Connie, daughter LaNaye Larson; parents Lawrence and Florence Larson; stepmom Jeanette Larson, father and mother-in-law Richard and Nora Battey; brothers: Allan, Delane, Dean, Danny, and Gary Larson; sisters: Arlene Kashmark and Arlyce Mahlburg; brothers-in-law George and Carl Battey and sisters-in-law Dorothy Knauer, Linda Battey and Carol Battey.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2021, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kellogg, with the Reverend Cheryl Nymann of the Kellogg United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be at Greenfield Cemetery, Kellogg.
A visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, at the Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha and one hour prior to the service at the St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy and remembrance can be given at www.abbottfh.com
