Funeral Services for Donald Larson, age 86, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am Friday, May 22, 2020 at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with inurnment at a later date in the O'Neill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.  Due to the current pandemic, Don's family will not be present for the visitation and urges everyone to practice safe social distancing.  Please utilize the online guest book at biglinsmortuary.com to leave condolences.  Don passed away at his home in O'Neill on Sunday, May 17, 2020.  Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Donald John Larson was born on February 4, 1934 in Norfolk, NE to Leonard and Matie (Sydow) Larson.  He grew up in Holt County and attended country school at District #5.  He later moved with his family to the Wheeler County line and went to school at District #29.  Don graduated from Wheeler Central as Valedictorian of his class in 1951.  He continued his education at Wayne State receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1955.  While in college he was a member of Pi Omega Pi, a scholastic honor society for Business students.  He began his teaching career at Creighton where he taught for a year and a half before joining the military.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Army, following training he spent 15 months overseas doing intelligence work, including a stint in Okinawa, Japan.  After two years of service, he was honorably discharged in 1958, he moved to O'Neill and began teaching at the O'Neill Public School.

Don married Sharon Hartronft in Clearwater, NE on December 27, 1959.  To this union three children were born; Rick, Greg, and Kathy.  The family made O'Neill home where Don continued teaching at O'Neill Public Schools.  He taught many subjects through the years, including Shorthand, Keyboarding, Computers, Business, and Accounting. Don took on a variety of different extracurricular roles as well. He was the senior class sponsor many years, Quiz-Bowl Instructor, yearbook sponsor, Aerie Staff, National Honor Society, and even spent one year as Athletic Director.  He also worked as an Instructor for Northeast Community College for a time.  Don retired in the spring of 1998.

Don was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church since 1959 and enjoyed being very active in his church.  He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and spending time with his family. Don was a member of the NEA and the NSEA

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Larson of O'Neill; three children, Rick (Tammy) Larson of Omaha, Greg Larson of La Vista, Kathy (David) Crook of Kearney; six grandchildren, Travis (Chrissy) Larson, Jon Larson, Rebecca (Joshua) Miller, Tori Crook, Tristan Crook, Taylor Crook; six great grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Mlinar of Atkinson.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Matie Larson; his brother-in-law, Harold Mlinar; and his niece, Nancy Funk.

Don would want his former students and fellow teachers to remember him as an individual that lived up to the motto, "Teaching touches a life forever".