Lois Joanne Larson (Johnson)

Lois Joanne Larson (Johnson), age 96, was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday Dec. 4, 2024.

She was surrounded by her loving family who sang to her and prayed for her as she was slipping from this earthly life to begin her new life in the presence of her Lord. She was a wonderful woman who loved Jesus with all her heart.

Lois was born Jan. 22, 1928 in the family farmhouse in Wood River Township near Grantsburg Wisconsin to William Peter and Cora Ethlyn Johnson. She was the youngest of their family of 7 brothers and 2 sisters. Her early years were spent doing chores on the family farm and her brothers were very proud and protective of their little sister.

In high school she played clarinet in the marching band, sang in choirs, acted in plays, and was salutatorian of her HS class. While in HS she lived in town with the Jensen family as a nanny. She became part of their family and they loved her dearly and all cried and cried when she left. After HS she worked as an elevator operator at the prestigious Lowry hotel in St. Paul. During this time she was introduced to Earl Larson by her sister’s boyfriend which resulted in a first date at the MN state fair. Television cameras would catch a memory of this first date 50 years later with their return to the fair on the same date, taking a ride on "Ye Old Mill" and getting their picture taken in the photo booth.

Lois and Earl were married on Oct. 25 1947. To this union eight children were born, Becky Geppert, Bob (Jean) Larson, Cyndi (Ken) Vanderport, Kevin (Debby) Larson, Glen (Kay) Larson, Jodi Larson, Brenda (Eric) Clausen, Paula (David) Holmbeck. Her joy in life continued with 31 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 3 more on the way!

Growing up, we all remember Mom and Dad faithfully having morning devotions and prayer for their children.

Lois embodied the role of homemaker and worked tirelessly to feed, clothe and care for her family. Times were often tough yet Mom would never let her kids go hungry or lack any need for warmth or compassion.

She was a baby-sitter to friends in need, and later worked at the local Kmart deli counter to help make ends meet.

When she had any spare time, she enjoyed needlecrafts like stitching plastic canvas and sewing. She stitched numerous tea towel sets to give as gifts. She always read her devotions and bible every morning and in later years when her hands made it difficult to stitch she became an avid reader of 200+ Christian fiction books.

Lois had a way of making everyone feel loved and valued. She could calm any situation with her presence.

Up to the end she always sent a birthday or anniversary card to all her kids and grandkids with handwritten notes.

Lois and Earl made their home in several communities including Glenwood City, WI, Cottage Grove, Newport, and finally Little Canada, MN. A series of falls resulted in Lois moving into the Sholom assisted care home in St. Paul which would be her final home on this earth. All of the staff were very loving toward her and we were truly blessed that Mom was fortunate to have them caring for her.

Preceding her in death were her beloved husband Earl of 52 years before his passing in January 2000, her parents, her brothers and sisters, daughter in-law Patti (Glen) Larson, grandson Eric Nathaniel.

She is survived by her children and spouses, 30 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

One of the most important things to know about Lois was her deep and abiding love for the Lord. It was her desire that all would come to know him and choose him as their savior. Her assurance for eternity rested solely on His grace and love for the forgiveness of sin. She was not fearful when her time came to go home.

All who knew Lois will always remember and miss her kind, gentle spirit, her contagious laugh and smile, and her soft-spoken words of love and encouragement. 

Celebration of Life 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church, 2100 Delaware Ave., Sunfish Lake, MN 55118. Memorials may be directed to Bethel Baptist Church (https://bethelbcmn.org/).