Jairus Albert Larson
Obituary

Jairus “Jerry” Larson, born in Ortonville, Minnesota, on October 23, 1936, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.  A life well lived & lived to the fullest.

Jerry will be remembered for his kind heart, generosity, & deep love for his family.  He was a humble & modest man whose quiet strength & integrity touched all who knew him. He was a provider in every sense of the word, giving his family security, opportunity, guidance, & every chance to succeed.

Education was one of Jerry’s core values, & he worked to provide his children with the very best education possible.

Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  His commitment to service was another reflection of the dedication & sense of responsibility that defined his life.

Jerry possessed an extraordinary intellect yet carried it with remarkable humility.

Professionally, he was an innovative engineer & pioneer in the emerging field of computer technology.  Among his many accomplishments, he developed the first online automated teller machine (ATM) in 1973 & designed high-speed data communications systems for NASA & the United States Army & Navy.

Though his work had a lasting impact, Jerry rarely spoke of his achievements, preferring humility over recognition.  Despite his phenomenal professional accomplishments, he considered his greatest achievement to be the family he loved.

Jerry enjoyed traveling & was fortunate to see much of the USA & many places around the world.  His curiosity & interest in learning extended beyond his professional life, & he embraced the opportunity to experience new places & cultures.

Jerry & his family made their home in North Oaks, Minnesota.  Following retirement, Jerry relocated to Arizona, where he & his wife Valentina, “Valya”, enjoyed their later years.

As our father, Jerry’s life shaped ours in immeasurable ways. His love & guidance will remain a lasting part of who we are.  We are eternally grateful for the life he gave us, the values he instilled in us, & the privilege of having him as our father.  The imprint of his life on his family is immeasurable & he will be profoundly missed & forever remembered.

Jerry was preceded in death by Mary Lou; his parents; & his brother.

He is survived by his wife, Valya; his children, Jerry (Laurie), Nicol (Marcus), & Mary (Jeff); his grandchildren, Dylan, Maxwell, & William; sister-in-law, Carol; & nieces & nephews.

Jerry will return to his beloved Minnesota, where he will rest peacefully beside family.

Our family gives heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Fellowship Square for the dignity & compassionate care they gave to our husband & father in his final years.