Hartley Grandin Larson

CRYSTAL FALLS, MI – Hartley Grandin Larson, 92, of Crystal Falls, Mich., passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, Mich.

He was born on March 20, 1928, in Grand Marais, Minn., to Rev. Alfred and Emma (Anderson) Larson. Hartley attended schools in Alberta, Canada, Grand Marias, Minn., Norway, Mich., and graduated high school from Atwater, Minn. He then served in the United States Navy and after returning from service, graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1952, where he played football and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Hartley also received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan. Earlier in his career, he taught and coached in the Powers, Felch, and the Crystal Falls school system. In 1961, Hartley changed careers and worked in sales for IBM for 22 years when he retired. He married Ruth Ellen Solberg from Felch in 1953. They lived mostly in Marquette where they raised their six children.

Hartley enjoyed volunteering for the Golden Wildcat Club and Marquette Golf and Country Club where he served as President of both. He was active in both the Marquette youth hockey and baseball coaching programs and supported his children in their interests. In their later years, Hartley and Ruth Ellen retired to their lake home on Lake Mary in Crystal Falls.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Ruth Ellen; four sons, Steve Larson, Paonia, Colo., Mark Larson, Crystal Falls, Mich., Jon Larson, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Tom (Caroline) Larson, Wausau, Wis.; two daughters, Linda Larson Erspamer, East Lansing, Mich., and Barbara Larson Elingsen, Sheboygan, Wis.; one brother, Adrian (Lois) Larson, Pipestone, Minn.; and by 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Hartley was preceded in death by one half-brother, Gordon Bredison.

In accordance with Hartley’s wishes, private family services will be held. Graveside services will be acknowledged at a later date. Burial will be in Felch Cemetery, Felch, Mich.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Hartley’s family online at www.JacobsFuneral Homes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs – Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich. to honor Hartley’s legacy of life.