"Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34

Morris LeRoy Larson, 78, died in the company of his family on June 17, 2026. As one who gathered many around tables well laden with good things, he is now gathered to the eternal banquet table of Christ.

Morris was born on August 18, 1947, to Harry Larson and Evelyn Andersen Larson in Faribault, Minn. When Morris was three months old, the family moved to Plains, Mont. The second of five boys, Morris enjoyed a childhood spent in the Mission Mountain range of western Montana. His love of good cooking began early, as he learned all he could from his mother and the abundance she brought forth in her kitchen. Morris worked in the hay fields as a young man, bucking bales, and then in the local grocery store. He graduated from Plains High School in 1965.

Just as a good feast comprises many different dishes, so Morris's life included a variety of experiences. He spent two years enrolled at Spokane Community College and became the student body president in 1966. He graduated with an Associate Arts degree before serving in the Air Force from 1968-1972. He went on to the University of Montana, completing a Bachelor's degree, and to the University of Oregon, where he earned an MBA. He worked in the grain trading business, first for Merrill Lynch and then Cargill, which brought him to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There he met Elaine Sponberg, whom he married in 1977. After a short chapter in Chattanooga, Tenn., Morris and Elaine moved to Ballwin, Mo., where they raised their two children. He worked as the Executive Vice President of the Merchants Exchange in St. Louis, Mo., as a consultant to grain markets in Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey, and finally as the Operations Manager at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Morris also served with joy in his kitchen, creating countless beautiful meals for family and friends as well as feasts that were offered in charitable auctions, most often for Lutheran Family and Children Services. The stories that flowed forth at these tables were just as nourishing to him as was the joyful challenge of inventing and offering new recipes. To be in Morris's presence was to take in the fragrance of sacred hospitality, whether it was garlic, rosemary, peppercorns or pipe smoke. His bear hugs would leave you with that holy scent all day.

Morris is survived by his wife Elaine; two children, Liv and Blake (Melissa); and two grandchildren, Arlo Andrews and Robin Andrews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Trinity Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.

A visitation will be offered at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, July 24, from 5pm to 8pm. The funeral service honoring Morris will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11am on Saturday, July 25. The service will be followed by a luncheon at the church.

"The gifts of God for the people of God. Come, all is ready."