Full History

The history of funeral service in Pelican Rapids dates back to the 1890s. The earliest business on record was the Andrew Peterson Undertaking Co., which was in operation until approximately 1921. It was then owned by Hagen Undertaking & Furniture for a brief time until it was purchased by Gothard and Alma Knutson. After Gothard’s death in 1959, the funeral home remained in business until 1969 and then closed its doors.

Another Pelican Rapids area undertaking business during the early years of service included the Ed Skalman Undertaking Company, which was later purchased by Guy Olson, renamed Guy Olson Furniture and Undertaking, and in operation until 1933.

In the fall of 1947, the Johnson Funeral Home was founded by Everett and Virgil Johnson. They purchased the Haugen house on the corner of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue Southeast in Pelican Rapids and remodeled the home into the city’s first stand-alone funeral home. In 1969, the funeral home was renovated to include a new chapel, foyer, selection room, and additional facilities. In August of 1970, the business was purchased by Milo D. and Marjorie M. Larson and was renamed the Johnson-Larson Funeral Home. In 1975, the funeral home name was officially changed to Larson Funeral Home.

In July of 1995, after 25 years in the funeral business in Pelican Rapids, Milo and Marge sold Larson Funeral Home to the Vertin family. At that time, Jade Petznick became the managing funeral director. In January of 2024, the business moved to its new location at 12 5th Ave NE and was renamed Larson Funeral and Cremation Service. Jade and his team of associates are proud to continue providing compassionate funeral care to families in Pelican Rapids and the surrounding area.