Jake Larson, WWII Veteran and TikTok Star, Passes Away at 102

Jake Larson, a World War II veteran with over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, has died at the age of 102, as announced by his granddaughter on social media.

Affectionately known as “Papa Jake,” Larson played a significant role in planning the D-Day invasion and famously stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy. His unexpected rise to social media fame began when his granddaughter created a TikTok account for him, which gained popularity alongside the release of his autobiography.

“Our beloved dad Jake passed away on July 17th at age 102. He went in peace and kept his sense of humor until the end,” wrote Maccaela Larson on Instagram. “Right now, our family is asking for privacy as we navigate this loss.”

She expressed gratitude for the support shown to her grandfather: “Thank you for sharing Papa Jake with you. You meant the world to him. I plan to continue sharing his story and keeping his memories alive.” She added, “We really appreciate all the kind words and messages. As Dad would say, I love you the most.”

Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson grew up under challenging conditions, farming without electricity or running water during the Great Depression. He joined the National Guard at just 15, lying about his age, and was mobilized into federal service after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In early 1942, he was sent to Northern Ireland, eventually becoming a sergeant in charge of planning for Operation Overlord, the Normandy invasion. He landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, dodging machine gun fire and enduring harrowing experiences, like witnessing the toll the battle took on fellow soldiers.

Following the war, Larson returned to the U.S., where he married Laura and raised a family in California. In 2020, his granddaughter launched the TikTok account “StoryTimewithPapajake,” propelling him into the limelight. He also published an autobiography in 2021 titled “The World’s Lucky Man: A Tale from the Life of Papa Jake.”

In recent years, Larson returned to Normandy for anniversary commemorations, where he emphasized the importance of remembering those who fought: “We are their family. We have a responsibility to honor those who gave us the opportunity to live,” he said during the 81st anniversary of D-Day.

Earlier this month, on Independence Day, Larson shared a poignant message: “God blessed and served all who played their part. Their souls look down on me now.” He often reminded others about the heroes who sacrificed for freedom.