Irene Larson

Irene Larson peacefully took her last breath in this world and her first breath in Heaven on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 87.

 Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 11th at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A livestream of the service at Crossroads Lutheran Church will be available via their Facebook page, YouTube, and their website www.crossroadslutheran.net.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 10th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home.

Irene Genevieve (Olstad) Larson was born on November 8, 1934 in Mayville, ND to Raymond and Helen (Smith) Olstad. She grew up in Galesburg, ND, and was baptized at Elm River Lutheran Church. She graduated from high school in 1952 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead for 2 years. Following college, she moved to Minneapolis where she worked for four years. While working in Minneapolis she met the love of her life, Merlin Larson, through her roommate, and on October 7, 1956 they were married in Galesburg, ND. Irene and Merlin made their home on Merlin’s family farm in rural Dawson and had 4 children. Irene went back to work when the youngest started school. She worked as a teacher’s assistance at the schools for a few years and then at AGP for more than 20 years before retiring in 1999.

Irene was very involved in church related activities at Providence Valley Lutheran Church and the last several years at Crossroads Lutheran. She loved the Bible study group and her faith was an inspiration to many. She was an excellent card player and especially enjoyed the bridge club. Irene was known as a talented and meticulous quilter, and she won many ribbons at the county fair for her work. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy and she cherished the time spent with family.

Irene is survived by her children: Kathy (Ken) Behrendt of Redwood Falls, MN, Kim (Dave) Lokken of Watertown, MN, Keith (Angie) Larson of Hudson, WI; grandchildren: Jason (Sarah) Behrendt, Ryan (Crystal) Behrendt, Rachel (Jason) Wall, Eric (Samantha) Behrendt, Sarah (Jess) Olson, Jeremy (Erin Skinner) Mogard, Brianna (Jordon Fleck) Mogard, Zachary Lokken, Nicholas Lokken, Isaac Larson, Michael Dys; 13 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, 1 brother, and other extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 64 years, Merlin; and her daughter, Karen Mogard.