Douglas R. “Hoss” Larson, 59, of Onalaska was called home by his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 8, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with numerous health issues.

He was born in La Crosse on Nov. 8, 1949, to Lloyd and Mildred (Thorud) Larson. They later divorced and Mildred married Andrew Noel. Doug attended La Crosse area schools except for a few years in the Mount Hope, Wis. area, graduating in 1968 from Central High School. He enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1968, serving in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.

On April 13, 1985, he married Bonnie Loging. Doug reconnected with some of his Marine Corps buddies about 10 years ago and enjoyed going to Gatlinberg, Tenn., Lubbock, Texas, and Green Bay for reunions, where a member of their platoon is honored posthumously by them for the families and friends of their fallen comrades where they rest.

Doug often credited his in-laws with his tenaciousness. Gramps gave him a father he thought he never had and the knowledge of the love and freedom that comes with farming. Grandma said, “You can’t get better by staying in bed sick.” Doug took those words to heart and fought through each and every obstacle that was thrown at him these 20-plus years, often to the shock and surprise of his doctors. Unfortunately this was not one of those times. Doug, always the Marine, met his foe, made his battle plan and won the war.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Bonnie; a son, James (Kristin), and granddaughter, Lindi; his special little life saver, Jazmine; and Tucker, the newest member of the family; two brothers, Ron (Vicki) and Mike; sisters, Debra and Sandy; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather; brothers Greg, Dennis, and Norbert; and in-laws, Arlene (Doug) Loging.