Keith I. Larson

Keith Irving Larson, 82, lifelong resident of Port Wing, WI, died at Villa Marina Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Superior, WI surrounded by his loving family on May 31, 2025.

He was born in Duluth, Minnesota on August 26, 1942, to Irving and Margaret (Larvick) Larson. On April 10, 1964, he was united in marriage to Margie Helsing. They celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage before Margie's passing in 2024.

Keith was a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard for over 38 years and retired as a Command Chief Master Sergeant. He proudly served at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, and later at the 133rd Airlift Wing in St. Paul. After retirement from the Air Guard, he worked for the Duluth Airport Authority and then the Bayfield County Highway Department as Patrol Superintendent.

Keith was a 1960 graduate of South Shore High School in Port Wing. Active in his community, Keith served as Town Clerk for 18 years and later as a Town Board Supervisor. He also served for many years on the South Shore School Board. He was a member of numerous town organizations including the Port Wing Volunteer Fire Department, Fish Boil Club, and the American Legion. He and Margie were long-time members of First Lutheran Church. Keith enjoyed his years as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, providing a warm home filled with joy and laughter. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his uncanny ability to remember Port Wing history and all its residents’ past and present, as well as all their nicknames. He was so proud to be a lifelong "Port Winger". He enjoyed deer hunting with everyone at Camp Ill and the lifelong friendships he made at "The Shack". He loved taking 4-wheeler rides with family and friends to see all the "secret spots" in and around Port Wing.

He enjoyed spending time at the beach on Lake Superior and taking boat and car rides with Margie. Over the years, Margie and Keith had many adventures traveling together to many different places in the United States and Europe. Keith will forever be remembered for his love for his hometown, his military friends, and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by son, Kurt (Barb) Larson, Superior; daughter, Tanya Larson (Matt Pamer), Port Wing, grandchildren, Wyatt Mueller, Alex Larson, Maggie Mueller, and Rachel Larson; brother Warren (Kathy) Larson, Bismarck, ND; brothers-in law, John "Sonny" Helsing, and David Helsing, both of Port Wing; Very special and lifelong friend David Olson of Port Wing; lifelong hunting shack friend Rich Hogfeldt of Port Wing, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Margie; by their infant daughters, Jean-Marie, Keri Sue, and Karlyn Kay; his wife's parents John and Betty Helsing; his sister-in-law, Irene Hegbloom; his lifelong hunting shack friend, classmate and fellow mischief maker Carl Hogfeldt.

The family would like to thank those who remembered Keith during his stay at Villa Marina and the wonderful staff who so lovingly cared for him. We are forever grateful!

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday June 7th, 2025, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Port Wing, WI, with Pastor Dick Bouton officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Port Wing American Legion Post #531 Honor Guard following the service at the church. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Port Wing at a later date.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.