WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
James Howard Larson, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025.
He was born November 21, 1944 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the son of Milton and Lillian (Spika) Larson, and graduated from Aquinas High School with the Class of 1961.
It was at Aquinas that Jim met Mary Naegle. The two became high school sweethearts and built that relationship into a loving 60 year marriage.
Jim’s employment with the JC Penney Corporation brought him to Three Rivers in 1975 where he managed the local retail store for 4 years. Jim and Mary then took a leap of faith and used their life savings to purchase Frosty Bowl, an existing 8 lane bowling alley in the center of town. In 1984 they sold Frosty and built South Lanes, a 16 lane center named after the alley in Wisconsin where Jim rolled his first 300 game. Some years later the couple added an additional 8 lanes. They always tried to keep prices low, and service levels high.
Jim loved his family and was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He earned a reputation for hard work, generosity of spirit, and humorous interactions with his customers. He touched many lives, and made many friends, through the sport of bowling.
He also enjoyed watching movies, golfing (poorly), traveling with family, and was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers (through the good times, and the bad).
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Larson; sons, Robert “Bob” (Margaret) Larson and Michael (Kristen) Larson; grandchildren, Jayna, Milo, Emmett, and Charlie; brother, Thomas “Tom” Larson; sisters, Janice Hammes, Mary Sheffer, and Sharon Jirsa.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His family will receive friends Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to Immaculate Conception School or the Three Rivers Youth Bowling League. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
