Beloved TikTok Star ‘Papa Jake,’ WWII Veteran, Passes Away at 102

Jake Larson, the beloved World War II veteran who captivated millions as “Papa Jake” on TikTok, has passed away at the age of 102. His granddaughter, Mckaela Larson, confirmed his peaceful passing on a TikTok post this past Saturday, noting he was “cracking jokes til the very end.”

Known for his compelling storytelling, particularly his harrowing experiences during the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, Papa Jake amassed a massive global following. His TikTok account, @storytimewithpapajake, boasts 1.2 million followers and over 11 million likes, with his recollections of the war garnering millions of views across various platforms.

Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson joined the Minnesota National Guard at just 15 by adjusting his age. He served with the U.S. Army’s 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division (“Red Bull”). His candid and often humorous accounts of the war, including narrowly escaping machine gun fire on D-Day, resonated deeply with a new generation.

Mckaela Larson expressed gratitude to his fans, stating, “You meant the world to him.” She plans to continue sharing his stories to keep his memory alive, honoring his legacy as a true American hero and social media phenomenon. As Papa Jake would say, “love you all the mostest.”

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