[1] Born in Glyndon, Minnesota, Larson graduated from Badger High School in 1948 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College.

Larson then served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Larson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1967, with a Nonpartisan Election–Conservative Caucus party affiliation.

He continued to fill this seat in the Senate until 2006, but by the 1996 election had changed his party affiliation to Republican.

[2] Larson resided in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, with his wife, Loretta.