Donald D. "Duke" Larson

August 18, 1935 - April 24, 2025

Donald Duane “Duke” Larson, 89, a resident of Valley View Retirement Community on Hartzler Drive in Belleville, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

Duke was born on August 18, 1935, the son of Laurel and Pearl (Otterdahl) Larson of Minneapolis, MN.  He married his wife, Mary Grace (Byler) Larson on June 19, 2005.  

He was a 4 year veteran in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

He was an educator (Media Communications) at the Hennepin County Technical College in Edina, MN, retiring in 2005.

Duke loved music and was very active in the music world.  He wrote several songs and sang at many local venues, churches, and charity events.  In the years’ 2011 and 2012, he won as one of the 15 finalists out of 200 other contestants statewide, who were competing for the title of PA State Senior Idol.  He also sang the National Anthem for the Minnesota Twins baseball games.

Duke is survived by son Ryan, wife Jodie and grandson’s Ryder Duke and Jameson Reed McKinney of TX, a step-son, Rocco Rossinni and wife Tomoka of San Francisco, CA, step-daughter, Gina Malbis and husband Michael of Orange Beach, AL; brothers: Rodger Larson and wife Wanda of Carver, MN; Larry Larson of Markville, MN; sister: Cheryl Wickham of Markville, MN; In-laws include: Sara Jane Helmuth and husband Clifford of Kansas City, MO, Barbara Rogers of Belleville, Mildred “Micki” King and husband Sanford of Belleville, Joann Plank and husband Robert of McVeytown, William Hardenstine of The Villages, FL, and Cheryl Byler of Belleville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by in-laws: Mary Larson, Judy Larson, Eugene Wickham, Larry Rogers, Jean Hardenstine, and Joe Byler.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Locust Grove Mennonite Church, 3358 West Main Street, Belleville with Pastors Ivan Yoder and Max Zook officiating.  The committal service will be private and at the convenience of the family at the Locust Grove Cemetery, Belleville.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to: Valley View Haven Nursing Home, 4702 East Main Street, Belleville, PA  17004.

Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, 3813 West Main Street, Belleville. Online condolences can be made at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.