Duane Berg Larson (Dewey), age 99, passed away March 7, 2026 in his home in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Dewey was born September 11,1926 in Jamestown, New York, where he grew up. His father, John Frederick Larson and mother, Ruth Julia Berg, were first generation Americans whose parents had emigrated from Sweden in the late 1800’s. They raised Dewey and his brother, Gordon, in the Christian faith, also instilling in them a strong work ethic.
World War II made a major impact on Dewey’s life when he joined the Navy in 1944. Being a part of the war broadened his world understanding, gave him a purpose to protect America and taught him skills that he used throughout his life.
In 1950 Dewey graduated from University of Houghton in Houghton, New York with a B.S. in Mathematics. His first job as a research mathematician was with Bell Aerospace in Niagara Falls, New York where he worked on the first prototype helicopter. After five years at Bell he took a job at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory (now Calspan) in Buffalo, New York. During his 17 years at Cornell Lab he also went to the University of Buffalo and earned an M.S. in Mathematics plus accomplished additional coursework. His work at Cornell Lab involved using his mathematical skills as a team leader in solving satellite and other aeronautical issues for the DoD, doing math research on automobile crash prevention, and work on other civilian projects. In 1974 he obtained a job at Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna, New York and moved with Bethlehem to Valparaiso, Indiana in 1983. He used his math skillset to solve many issues in the mills, achieving five patents for Bethlehem Steel. In 1991 he retired and remained in Valparaiso.
Dewey married Clarabell Ann Larson (Petie, who also grew up in the Jamestown area) in 1948 when they met again after WWII. They enjoyed travel, starting with many tent camping trips to show the children America and foreign travel in later years. Entertaining was their forte and there were many gatherings of family, friends and church events over the years. They were active in the churches that they attended and always ready to help someone in need.
Dewey was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Clarabell Ann Larson, his brother, Gordon Frederick Larson and his great grandson, Andrew Duane Collins. He is survived by his daughters, Sherrie Merrow (Clyde) and Cynthia Hildebrand (Bob), and son, John Larson (Jane), his grandchildren, Jonathan Larson (Kristin), Jessica Valentine (Colin), Joshua Larson (Gabriella), Christian Hildebrand (Kristin), Kelly Collins (Billy) and fourteen great grandchildren: Addalyn, Ben, Kate, James, Eliza, Isaac, Lydia, Aiden, Lydia, Peter, Josiah, Evan, Judah, Joanna and one more on the way.
Visitation will be held Friday from 2 – 4 pm at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, IN with funeral service beginning at 4:00 pm. A burial ceremony with military honors will be held Saturday 10:00 am at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN
In lieu of flowers please donate to Pioneers USA Inc., 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32832, for the Dani Bible Reprint Project, Acct. #151186.
GUESTBOOK
Had a very strong work ethic. -Stephanie Schell
My team and I had a privilege of taking care of Duane in his last months of his life. He was a very wonderful, respectful and loving human beings. A true reflection of Christ. He will be missed. May his soul rest in eternal peace. -Barbara Bruner
My deepest sympathies to your family. -Ron Witkowski
Thinking of each of you, Sherrie, Cindy and John. I don’t need to tell you that your dad was a wonderful man, you already know that. But I do want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. I was hoping he would be able to celebrate his 100th birthday in September but it is not to be. He is in glory with his Lord and Savior Jesus and all the family in a far better celebration. He always made us feel so special when we all got together…. with his pockets full of candy bars for everyone!! I miss you, Uncle Dewey. -Romaine (Larson) Webber
Mr. Dewey and Family, I am blessed to have met and known you all. Being able to hear and share in all his life's adventures was a blast. I will never forget the time spent with Mr. Dewey. I send my thoughts and prayers to all. -Emily Calvillo
-Gordon & Yvonne Kunz
Dear Cindy Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. What a wonderful life as you described in the obituary. May you feel Jesus comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, -Lynne and Dave Endrody
Dear Cindy Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. What a wonderful life as you described in the obituary. May you feel Jesus comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, -Lynne and Dave Endrody
Sending sincere condolences from the Suwan family. Dewey was a wonderful neighbor and friend over the years in Valparaiso. He will be missed. -Paul Suwan
