Leslie "Les" Larson

Leslie Larson, age 85, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, died Thursday, February 19, 2026, at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie.

Visitation for Les will be on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Historic Woodside Place, rural Baldwin.

Burial will be at a later date in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Baldwin.

Leslie Larson, age 85, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by the loving presence of his family, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, under the compassionate care of hospice staff at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Les was born on July 12, 1940, to Maynard and Marveda (Larson) Larson in Cady Township, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Raised on the family farm in Rush River Township, Les developed a deep connection to the land and a strong work ethic that would define his life. He graduated from Baldwin High School with the Class of 1959. In addition to farming, Les worked at Boldt and Gregerson’s Hardware and then as a milk tester for DHIA. He also worked night shifts at Bayport Manufacturing before embarking on a long and dedicated career at the Donaldson Company, Inc. in Baldwin, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 2003.

Retirement did not slow Les down; instead, it opened a new chapter filled with learning and sharing. He attended classes at CVTC in New Richmond, focusing on agricultural mechanics and small engines, always eager to deepen his understanding of the tools and machines he loved. Les delighted in bringing his tractors to campus, where he generously shared his expertise and enjoyed working alongside young students, inspiring the next generation with his passion and knowledge.

Les was known for his steadfast work ethic and his success as a dairy farmer, a testament to his dedication and perseverance. But above all, Les was a man who valued family and faith deeply. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—engaging in heartfelt conversations with family and friends, the satisfying strike of a bowling ball, the quiet anticipation of deer hunting, watching his favorite cooking shows, and the peaceful routine of feeding the birds that visited his yard.

On August 8, 1964, Les married the love of his life, Karen Van Riper, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. Together, they built two thriving dairy farming operations in Baldwin, creating a legacy of hard work, love, and commitment. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Rich, Lisa, and Sally.

Les was preceded in death by many beloved family members, including his parents; his cherished wife Karen; son Rich; granddaughter Christine Larson; infant brother Jeffrey; infant sister Nancy; sister Julie; brothers Steven and Gary Larson; sister-in-law Joyce Del Pino; brothers-in-law Dave Wolslegel, Rich Moore, Bill Van Riper, Larry Van Riper, and Scott Gordon; and his loyal dog, Lucky.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Lisa Meister of Menomonie and Sally (Richard) Rauschendorfer of Weatherford, Texas; six devoted grandchildren: Rachel and Kyle Larson; Skyler and Donavan Meister; and Tyler and Brandon Rauschendorfer; two great-grandsons: Ashton Pulido and Grayson Rauschendorfer; his sister Karen Moore and brother Kevin Larson; sisters-in-law Diane Johnson, Patrice Van Riper, Patricia Van Riper and Cindy Gordon; his special friend and fishing companion Tom Meister; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will all miss his kind spirit and generous heart.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at MCHS Menomonie and Adoray Hospice, whose tender care and support provided comfort in Les’s final days.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, with additional visitation one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

The funeral service to celebrate Les’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Historic Woodside Place, rural Baldwin.

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