“Inconceivable!”
If you knew Lee, that one word, delivered with perfect timing and an infectious grin, was enough to put a smile on anybody’s face.
Lee T. Larson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 78.
Born October 19, 1947, in St. Paul, Lee grew up on Stanford Avenue. He attended Nativity Grade School and Cretin High School before graduating from the University of Minnesota as a CPA. He and his first wife, Barb, raised two sons, Andy and Brian, and he built a career in finance working for Target Corporation and the State of Minnesota, often bringing his work home with him as he loved doing taxes for friends and relatives.
Lee married Karen Stinson on July 1, 1995, and became stepfather to Darcy and Rich. Together, Lee and Karen blended two families with such warmth that the seams simply disappeared. Karen recruited her husband to join her as CFO of the company she founded, ProGroup. After selling the company, they retired together and spent years exploring the world and creating countless memories including climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, navigating the canals in Venice, and snorkeling together in Belize.
Lee and Karen’s home was a hub for gatherings of friends and family. Known for New Year’s Eve parties, 4th of July gatherings, and an annual Twin Cities Marathon event when they would hand out bananas and cheer on the runners. Few people valued friendship the way Lee did. He was funny, quick-witted, loyal, and his kindness drew people in and kept them close. He listened, he showed up, and he made more than his share of friendships, many of which have lasted a lifetime.
Preceded in death by his parents, Loretta (Durand) and Lee Larson. Survived by his beloved wife Karen Stinson; his 4 children, Andy Larson (Kate), Brian Larson (Sara), Darcy Dickson (Bernard), Rich Grote; his brother Michael Larson (Margie); and 10 grandchildren: Isaac, Bella, Gordy, Rowan, Jacob, Cecilia, Elena, Teddy, Henry, and Manny.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home at 575 Snelling Avenue South, St. Paul, MN 55116. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour before at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church at 1938 Stanford Avenue in St. Paul, MN 55105. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service.