Wyliss Chester Larson

WINONAWyliss Chester Larson, 91 of Winona, died Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Saint Anne Extended Healthcare.Wyliss, the oldest child, was born June 26, 1922 in Independence, WI to Raymond and Myrtle (Dahl) Larson. He was inducted into the United States Army on April 21, 1943 and began active duty one week later. He worked as a cook during WWII. During his time overseas, he earned a Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, and a Good Conduct Medal. Wyliss was honorably discharged on January 13, 1946. While working for the Cab Company, Wyliss was introduced to Marilyn Kulas, a waitress at Steak Shop, and the two were united in marriage on November 16, 1946. They were married for 64 years and enjoyed fishing together and vacationing in Las Vegas. He and Marilyn owned and operated Larson's Fish In Float for 12 years. At the same time, he stayed busy with his other business, Wyliss Larson Construction. Over the years, he built several houses in Knopp Valley, Gilmore Valley, and other neighborhoods in Winona. He greatly enjoyed working, and even in retirement, he helped cook at the Lamberton House. In his spare time, Wyliss love taking bus trips to Treasure Island Casino to play bingo, socializing at the Eagles Club, and spending time with his family.Wyliss is survived by his granddaughters, Julie Strain and Michelle Burt; four great-grandchildren, Zachary, Miranda, Jessica, and Jordan; three great-great-grandchildren, Matthew, Owen, and Skylar; son-in-law, Clayton Burt; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Blagsvedt, He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn Larson; daughter, Catherine Burt; and two brothers, Wesley and Wilmar.A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-8pm on Monday, October 21, 2013 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Wyliss and Marilyn will both be laid to rest at Fort Snelling Cemetery with full military honors on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 2pm.Please share a memory of Wyliss with his family, sign the online guestbook, and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/434309