my father

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved father, affectionately known as "JT Kogia" to his close ones. Born on March 28, 1941, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Florence “Ole” Polski and Harold “Mickey” Larson, Dad lived a remarkable life that spanned 84 years. He quietly departed this world on March 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Growing up on Pigs Eye Island, nestled in the Mississippi River bottomlands, Dad had an upbringing that was as unique as the man he became. Surrounded by boxcars and bordered by a municipal sewage treatment plant, he learned the value of hard work and resourcefulness from a young age. At just nine years old, he received his first .22 rifle, and his entrepreneurial spirit was evident as he dug up earthworms and grubs to sell to local fishermen. His younger years were spent running trap lines, performing farm chores, and nurturing a love for the outdoors—a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Dad’s journey through life was a testament to his character—authentic, fiercely loyal, and full of integrity. After a brief stint in college, he joined the Army, where he served overseas in Baumholder, Germany, and was promoted to sergeant. His time in the service instilled in him a sense of duty and discipline that would guide him in all his future endeavors. Upon returning home, he found his place at 3M, where he dedicated his career to mechanical, electrical, and optical parts checking. Although his career ended unexpectedly with early retirement, Dad's resilience and adaptability shone through, as he embraced his new chapter with the same quiet determination that characterized his life. Dad’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for his family and friends. He was a dedicated father to his two daughters, Krista and Mara, and a cherished brother to Linda. His nephew Scott, his best friend and first cousin Ron Stein, and his dear friends from Naytahwaush, Minnesota, where he spent countless hours fishing and hunting, will forever hold him in their hearts. He was a man of few words, often unassuming and quiet unless you got a few drinks in him, but those who knew him well understood the depth of his character. He was a gifted handyman and mechanical thinker, a straight shooter who always told it like it was. His sense of humor and infectious belly laugh could brighten any room, and his stories of growing up on "The Island" were legendary. Dad was not just a man of nature; he was also deeply engaged in civic life. He kept a watchful eye on political affairs, diligently researching and holding elected officials accountable. His letters to the editor and correspondence with representatives were a testament to his belief in the power of an informed citizen. In his personal life, he was frugal to a fault, often finding humor in life's little inconveniences. Whether it was joking about saving money by only needing one newspaper or quipping about not having to clean fish when they weren't biting, Dad always found a silver lining. He leaves behind a legacy of authenticity, integrity, and unwavering loyalty. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. A church funeral will be held to honor his memory, fulfilling his wish for all the points he could get. True to his nature, Dad made sure to plan for this day, humorously referring to a joint account with his daughter as the "tip-over" account. Dad, you were a one-of-a-kind character who lived life on your own terms. We will miss your Sunday phone calls, your stories, and your steadfast presence in our lives. Rest easy, knowing you are loved and remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Dad's memory by finding your own bright side, as he always did, and by holding your loved ones close.