Marie Larson

Marie (Peterson) Larson, age 78, of North Branch died on Friday, April 25, 2014. Marie passed away peacefully at Ecumen in North Branch due to complications of dementia.

Marie was born in Wyoming to Elmer and Ethel Peterson. As the youngest of six children born in the middle of the Great Depression, she learned at an early age to value the simple things in life and waste nothing! Marie graduated from Chisago City High School in 1954. In 1957 she married G. Bruce Larson of Harris and they made their home in North Branch where they raised two children. Marie was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. Marie worked for many years at Hazelden in Center City. Marie had a heart of gold. She was a wonderful cook and baker and no one ever left her kitchen hungry.

In later years when cooking became more of a chore, she and Bruce could be found most weekdays having lunch at the Kaffe Stuga in Harris. Marie was kind and generous to all in need. She spent many years volunteering in the community. She did pledge drives for the American Cancer Society and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was passionate about helping the older people in the community and served them faithfully. She drove them to doctor’s appointments, cancer treatments and to the grocery store. She was an active Eastern Star member achieving the rank of Worthy Matron. Marie was also active at Trinity Lutheran Church.

She taught Sunday school, was on the church council, sang in the choir, served at funerals and other functions and was a member of the Altar Guild. She coordinated a senior citizens group called the YAHs (young at heart), planning monthly gatherings/outings and making arrangements for their transportation. Marie was preceded in death by husband Bruce; sister, Irene Sandberg; brothers Ramon Peterson and Lloyd Peterson. She is survived by children and spouses Elise (David) Hanson of Fridley and Lee (Diana) Larson of Harris; granddaughter Tawnya Matheson; great grandchildren Derek and Ava Matheson; sisters Helen Larson of Richfield and Elaine Stevens of Port Charlotte, FL; sister-in-law Barbara Peterson; brother-in- law Louis (Gloria) Larson, 19 nieces and nephews and many friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ecumen North Branch for the tender care provided not only to Marie but to the entire family during Marie’s time in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Thank you as well to St. Croix Hospice whose extra services and guidance helped Mom and our family navigate the final days of her illness. Special thanks to Dr. Ramesh Sairam, of Allina, United Hospital in St. Paul, a gifted doctor who well understood Mom’s issues and was able to smooth some of the bumps and lower the hurdles that stood in her path. We are so very grateful for his kindness and compassion.

Memorial Service 11a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch with Rev. Gary Guptill officiating. Serving as organist will be Deb Aulich and Jon Ekstrom as soloist. Interment will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris. Visitation will be held from 9:30a.m. until time of service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to North Branch Senior Dining, (Senior Center). Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.