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David S. Larson, 86

David S. Larson, 86, of Hayden, Idaho, died May 17, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born June 7, 1930, to Norman and Sigrid (Christensen) Larson in Rugby, N.D. He attended school in Rugby until the family moved to Lolo, Mont., during his high school years.

In 1951 Dave married Mariann Moore, in Polson, Mont., and together the couple raised two children in Lolo and Missoula, Mont.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator in many regions of the United States, including 25 years on the North Slope in Alaska. Dave was a proud member of the Operating Engineer’s Union for more than 50 years and won multiple safety awards, commendations and Awards of Excellence throughout his career. He loved to fly, and he earned his private pilot’s license with a float-plane endorsement.

In his free time, he loved to travel (historic battlefields were a personal favorite), read and play the guitar. He was an accomplished musician and many members of local jam sessions in Idaho and Arizona will miss his hot licks and wonderful sense of humor.

After retirement, Dave and Mariann moved from the Flathead Valley of Montana to Coeur d’Alene where they made a happy home for nearly two decades.

Dave is survived by Mariann, his beloved wife of 65 years; their son, James and daughter-in-law Ginny Larson of Huson, Mont.; their daughter Debby and son-in-law Albert Mongeau of Hayden; five grandchildren, Leo Larson of Huson, James Miner of Post Falls, Idaho, Trevor Mongeau of Rathdrum, Idaho, Nicole Jacklin of Coeur d’Alene and Megan Mongeau of Post Falls; and 10 beautiful great-grandchildren. Dave loved family and friends above all else. He also leaves behind five siblings: Carol Forsch and Sharon Kyle of Missoula, Neva Larson and Bill Larson of Lolo, and Richard Larson of Phoenix, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Larson in 1957.

Services are planned for Wednesday, June 7, 2017, in Florence, Mont.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.