Daniel James Larson, of Burwell, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2026, while working in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the age of 50.
Dan was born July 8, 1976, to Darwin and Carla (Sharp) Larson. The firstborn of three children, he grew up in Custer County, Nebraska, with his brother, Dave, and sister, Katie. A mischievous child with a quick wit, Dan graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1994 and served in the United States Navy from 1995 to1999, specializing as an aeronautical welder.
After his military service, Dan attended the Hobart School of Welding and built a career marked by hard work, craftsmanship, and a constant desire to learn. He earned numerous certifications and advanced from welder to inspector and quality-control professional. Following work from Alaska to Maine and nearly everywhere in between, he took great pride in his trade and the quality of his welds. Dan was also pursuing a bachelor’s degree and was close to finishing. His family was proud of how far he had come and saddened that he could not complete what he had worked so hard to achieve.
At 31, Dan received a life-saving heart transplant at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha on August 11, 2007. He faced the experience with humor and gratitude, supported by his family, especially his parents. He acknowledged the anniversary each year, and he and his family remained forever grateful to his organ donor and the donor’s family for the gift of 19 additional years.
Dan loved hunting, fly-fishing, cooking, traveling, listening to books, playing cards, and building things. He treasured Montana’s mountains, quiet, scenery, and wildlife and was especially proud of his elk hunt. He loved games, dumb jokes, funny T-shirts, and making people laugh. After long summer days on a ranch tractor, Dan joked that 16 hours alone gave him plenty of time to develop new material.
Tall, often bearded, and usually smiling, Dan gave unforgettable hugs that pulled you in completely. He made people feel welcome, and what was his was yours. If someone needed help, Dan showed up. He gave generously, crossed the country for those he loved, and rarely considered any distance too far. As he once put it, “It’s only a 13-hour drive. I can be there in nine.”
Dan loved his daughter, Cassie, wanted the best for her, and supported the things that mattered to her. He was a loyal brother and friend and a much-loved uncle to his niece, nephews, and countless children who adopted him as “Uncle Dan.” He attended games, tournaments, celebrations, and milestones, and rode the wild carnival rides no one else wanted to ride.
As their firstborn son, Dan held a special place in Darwin and Carla’s hearts. They were proud of his skill, determination, and constant desire to learn, but even prouder of his generous heart and willingness to care for others. They supported him throughout his heart-transplant journey, and the additional years they shared were a gift they will always treasure.
His family is especially grateful for the time shared during his final year. Dan spent more time at home than he had in years, enjoying hunting adventures, fishing trips, volleyball tournaments, golf outings, time with family and card games. In July, they celebrated his 50th birthday at the first home he had worked and waited so long to buy, a place of which he was immensely proud.
Dan is survived by his daughter, Cassie Larson of Chalybeate, Kentucky; parents, Darwin and Carla Larson of Burwell; brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Melissa Larson; nephews, Kason Larson and Kolby Larson and his wife, Katherine; sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Adam Hull of Haslet, Texas; and niece and nephew, Ellie and Jace Hull. He also leaves behind more beloved friends and honorary nieces and nephews than could be named or counted.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roland and Mary Larson and Carl and Helen Sharp.
Cassie described losing her dad as feeling like a table with one leg missing, a feeling the family understands. For Dan, Dave, and Katie, it had been the three of them for as long as they could remember. His absence leaves a lasting space in the lives of those who depended on his humor, generosity, and willingness to show up. Dan lived on his own terms, worked hard, played hard, and left countless stories, and one final reminder: “Have fun.”
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Pastor Stephen Williams and Pastor Mike Holen will officiate. Military Honors will be presented at the Church by the Clifford Clark American Legion Post #298.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Lane Thomas Foundation that is dedicated to support families of children needing life-saving transplants.. lanethomas.org
