Date of Death: December 7, 2025
Service Details
His family will receive friends Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers.
Obituary Notice
James Howard Larson, 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025.
He was born November 21, 1944 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the son of Milton and Lillian (Spika) Larson, and graduated from Aquinas High School with the Class of 1961.
It was at Aquinas that Jim met Mary Naegle. The two became high school sweethearts and built that relationship into a loving 60 year marriage.
Jim’s employment with the JC Penney Corporation brought him to Three Rivers in 1975 where he managed the local retail store for 4 years. Jim and Mary then took a leap of faith and used their life savings to purchase Frosty Bowl, an existing 8 lane bowling alley in the center of town. In 1984 they sold Frosty and built South Lanes, a 16 lane center named after the alley in Wisconsin where Jim rolled his first 300 game. Some years later the couple added an additional 8 lanes. They always tried to keep prices low, and service levels high.
Jim loved his family and was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He earned a reputation for hard work, generosity of spirit, and humorous interactions with his customers. He touched many lives, and made many friends, through the sport of bowling.
He also enjoyed watching movies, golfing (poorly), traveling with family, and was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers (through the good times, and the bad).
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Larson; sons, Robert “Bob” (Margaret) Larson and Michael (Kristen) Larson; grandchildren, Jayna, Milo, Emmett, and Charlie; brother, Thomas “Tom” Larson; sisters, Janice Hammes, Mary Sheffer, and Sharon Jirsa.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Additional Information
Donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to Immaculate Conception School or the Three Rivers Youth Bowling League. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Mary, Mike and family we are so sorry to hear about Jim. Sure had a lot of memorable times in South lanes when we lived in Michigan, you all were always the best. Our sympathies for you all…
I never got to know him very well I did talk to him a few times and he was always nice and polite to me he was one of the best owners of a bowling center in the state of Michigan us bowlers lost a great one I always had fun bowling at south lanes it was always clean and organized and all the staff was the same nice & polite very well done Jim you will be missed my thoughts and prayers are out to all the family you done great Jim rip
This is a big loss for everyone that knew Jim, he was so welcoming to me when I started bowling at South Lanes, it was ironic he always seemed to know when I bowled well and was congratulatory when he saw me. Jim always seemed to have a sweet smirk on his face. One of the kindest and classiest men I have met, you are missed but will never be forgotten ❤️.
Jim was Great Man always had a smile on his face he was always helping you better your Bowling game RIP Jim you will truly be missed but never forgotten
Dear Larson family,
We offer our deepest sympathy to you during this time. We are praying for your peace and comfort. Please let us know if you need anything. God Bless.
Mary and family, So sorry to hear about Jim. I always had fun bowling at South Lanes messing around with Jim. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. R.I.P. Jim. ( Jim, need help on lane seven).
Mary and family,
A piece of my heart broke when I learned Jim passed away. We’ve loved Jim and your family ever since our kids started bowling at South Lanes over 30 years ago. We thought of you as family. Will miss seeing Jim at mass with you. Holding all of you close to our hearts and keeping you in our prayers.
Bill and Patti King