Students Mourn The Loss Of Albertville Teacher
ALBERTVILLE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Students in Albertville are trying to come to terms with the death of a popular teacher.
Timothy Larson was a special education teacher at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West. He was shot and killed this weekend about three hours west of the Twin Cities in Kandiyohi County.
Delbert Huber, 81, was arrested along with his son Timothy, who was in the house when it happened.
Teachers and staff found out about Larson's death Monday morning and immediately began preparations to help students cope with losing a teacher who meant so much to so many.
"He was a teacher that you would want your child to have," said Superintendent Jim Behle.
Larson, 43, taught special education at the school for three years. Behle said he was a very popular teacher.
"He was just remarkable," he said. "He was well liked by his students. His colleagues had a great deal of respect for the work he did with children but just how he supported his class as well."
Grief counselors were brought in to help both students and staff. Substitute teachers were also brought in to give teachers a break.
This is the second time in this many months this district has dealt with tragedy. Last month, a high school student died and now Larson's death has many walking around in disbelief.
"They were just shocked and in disbelief. Some, from the very tragic nature of the incident," Behle said.
According to the Kandiyohi Sheriff's Office, Huber called them late Saturday evening to tell them he had just shot and killed a man.
When deputies arrived at Larson's farm in rural Burbank Township, they found him dead with what appeared to be a gunshot wound.
Both Huber and his son are behind bars, awaiting charges. Larson's family released a statement that said, "please respect our privacy as we mourn the loss of a loving husband and a great father."
