Ronald "Ron" W. Larson

Ronald “Ron” W. Larson, 69, of Marquette, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 11, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Ron was born July 7, 1956, in Lindsborg, Kansas, the son of Philip and Edna (Marteney) Larson. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1974 and attended Fort Hays State University on a football scholarship.

On August 7, 1976, he was united in marriage to Kelly French in McPherson, Kansas. This union was blessed with two children, Emily and Tim.

Ron spent his entire life farming and ranching in the Marquette area. A dedicated and tireless worker, Ron approached everything he did with determination and intensity—whether it was farming, ranching, or serving his community through numerous volunteer roles.

He served on the Marquette Rural Fire Department Board for more than 40 years and was especially proud of the new fire station that was recently completed.

Ron’s deep pride in and love for the Marquette community was perhaps best demonstrated through his determination to find a new purpose for the former Marquette Elementary School building after it closed. He made it his mission to establish a learning center for the children and families of Marquette and the Smoky Valley. In 2019, Ron’s vision became reality when the Marquette Learning Center opened its doors, and he continued to serve tirelessly as President of its Board.

One of Ron’s greatest joys was playing Santa at Christmastime and delivering gifts to the children at the Learning Center. He was also known for bringing candy orange slices when he stopped by to check on things, and the kids started calling him the “Candy Man.”

Ron was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and loved them dearly. He especially enjoyed hearing about and watching Maia run and perform in water-ski shows, discussing Miles’ latest video game interests—and sometimes even politics—and watching Rylee show cattle and develop her growing passion for livestock.

Ron was rarely without a young person working alongside him on the farm. The one thing every kid who worked for Ron learned was how to work. He took pride in teaching them about agriculture and most of them became extended members of the Larson family. Ron expected them to work hard, be accountable, and see a job through to completion. One of Ron’s well-known sayings to Emily, Tim, or any kid working on the farm was, “Pay attention—shit costs money!”

Patience was not always Ron’s strong suit. He often joked that he prayed for patience every morning, but told God he wanted them right now.

After a lengthy battle with cardiac issues, Ron is now at peace—hopefully in a place with no mud or pigweeds, two things he firmly believed heaven and earth should be without.

Ron shared 20 wonderful years with his significant other, Vicki Young. They especially enjoyed spending time together on their screened porch with a drink in hand or watching Kansas State football.

He is survived by his daughter, Emily (Steven) Forssberg of Brandon, Iowa; son, Tim (Nikki) Larson of Marquette, Kansas; significant other, Vicki Young of Marquette, Kansas; grandchildren, Maia and Miles Forssberg of Brandon, Iowa, and Rylee Larson of Marquette, Kansas; siblings, John (Becky) Larson and Kay Larson; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janis Larson.

A memorial service for Ron and his sister, Janis Larson, will be held Monday, March 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Marquette High School Gymnasium.  Please dress as you are comfortable....K-State, Chiefs, or Marquette Wolverine apparel is encouraged.

Memorials are suggested to the Marquette Learning Center or the Marquette Rural Fire Department in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.