Rev. William C. Larson

William Larson was born November 13, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. Following graduation from Fort Hamilton High School, Brooklyn - he attended and graduated from The Lutheran Bible Institute (Luther College), Teaneck, New Jersey and Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota; Majoring in Philosophy and English.

William earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 1970. After ordination, he served as pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, PA for three years, at Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church in Westchester County, New York for 23 years, at Saron Lutheran Church in Big Lake, MN for five years, at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti, MN and several Interim positions before retiring in 2002. During his years as solo and senior pastor, William served on various boards and committees of the American Lutheran Church and of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - including: Eger Lutheran Home, Camp Koinonia, Lutherans Cooperating in New York - Youth Committee, Bishop’s Mutual Ministry Committee, Communications and Missions Support Committee and as visiting chaplain to Capital University.

William also served as Youth Advisor, Stewardship leader, Principal of a Christian Preschool, organized and led mass Lutheran Youth gatherings (including preaching at West Point Chapel) and assisted in the early development of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (and its predecessor body) in its preschool ministries. He assisted numerous congregations in the areas of both Stewardship and Christian Preschools and has led numerous Bible Studies at Synodical Assemblies.

He has been particularly thankful to God for his ministry to young children and his work in the mid to late seventies inviting children to the Lord’s Table; believing that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a birthright of the baptized.

William and his wife Ginger met at the Lutheran Bible Institute in 1962 and were married in 1969. He is survived by Ginger, loving wife and partner in the gospel. He is also survived by his children Bill (Kristie) and Jon (Rachel) of Woodbury, MN and grandchildren Riley, Erin, Logan, Corbin, and Madison. Both William and Ginger not only provided wonderful and loving experiences for their boys growing up but were quick to create paths, build tree forts and create a magical experience every time the grandkids would come over or take them on wonderful adventures and epic vacations. They were avid sports fans and made it a point to be at any and every tournament, game, competition or anything else the grandkids were doing.

William devoted his life to serving the spiritual needs of God’s people by spreading the word of Christ through his deeds, his life example of unconditional love and kindness for all, and his inspirational - Bible-based teaching and preaching.

Services will be held at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125 visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. service from 11:00 - 12:00 on September 9, 2022. While there will not be a formal luncheon, the family will greet guests in the gathering space prior to attending a private committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to King of Kings in honor of William’s witness to the Gospel.

Services will be livestreamed and may be viewed by going to www.kingofkingswoodbury.org