Harriet Larson

Harriet Louise Larson was born on July 3, 1920, in Ellendale, Minnesota, the daughter of Chris and Edna (Folie) Nelson. As a young woman she began working as a switchboard operator for the Lerdal Telephone Company. It was here that she met her soulmate Gilbert “Gib” Larson. The couple was married on September 30, 1939 at the First Baptist Parsonage in Clarks Grove.

This union was blessed with children Jean, Jerry, Larry and Cindy. In 1939, Harriet and Gib made their home on the Larson family farm near Lerdal. Together they raised their family and worked side by side on the family farm. Gilbert died in 2010 and Harriet remained in their retirement home on the farm until 2018, when she moved to The Woodlands at St. John’s on Fountain. Harriet was member of the the First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove. For more than 29 years Harriet and Gilbert wintered in Tucson, AZ, where they enjoyed many friends and lots of sunshine. Devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Harriet was selfless and very devoted to her family. She will pass on her legacy of patience and kindness to those she loved deeply, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Harriet died on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the St. John’s Lutheran Home on Fountain in Albert Lea. Her life of 100 years, 3 months and 5 days, was one filled with much joy and love.

Harriet will be greatly missed by her son Larry Larson of Baudette, MN, daughter Cindy (Danny) Lee of Albert Lea; grandchildren: Brent Waage, Jill (Don) Chantengco, Cory (Lisa) Larson, Jeff (Julianna) Larson, Staci Larson, Sheila Larson, Christa (Pete) Witt, Peter (Leah) Larson, Neil (Katie) Larson, Jennifer (Chris) Possehl and Daran (Shay) Lee; 19 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Harriet was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years Gilbert in 2010, her parents Edna and Chris Nelson, two sisters: Elenora Fredrickson and Phyllis Nelson, brother Oliver ”Buddy” Nelson,  daughter Jean Waage, son Jerry Larson, son-in-law Mike Waage, daughter-in-law Sharon (Bjerke) Larson.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the staff of The Woodlands at St. John’s on Fountain for the wonderful, tender loving care they all gave her.

A family service was held for Harriet on October 12 at Geneva Cemetery.