Evelyn H. Larson

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Larson, Evelyn H. age 97, of Parkers Prairie, died Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at St. William's Living Center of Parkers Prairie. Memorial services are 11 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2016, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Rachel Stout and Rev. Kurt Nordby officiating. Music is provided by organist, Julie Lindgren. Burial is at Swedish Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation is two hours prior to the service at the church. Evelyn Hildegard Larson was born August 31, 1918, to Frank and Betsey (Hawkinson) Larson at home in Woodside Township, Otter Tail County. She was baptized September 26, 1918, at home and confirmed June 19, 1932, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. She attended District #236 Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1936. Evelyn attended Duluth State Teacher's College and graduated in 1939. She later attended the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis where she graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1960. She taught school at rural country schools in Kent, Sturgeon Lake, Motley, Clarissa and Two Harbors from 1939-1948. She taught at the Brainerd School District in Special Education from 1948-1955, before teaching Special Education in the Hopkins School District until her retirement in 1978. She was nominated for the Minnesota State Teacher of the Year Award and was awarded the Hopkins School District Teacher of the Year in 1978. Evelyn was a former Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, church youth leader and Bible Camp Counselor and Teacher. She was a member of the LCLA Twin City Chapter, was active in church circles, sang in the church choir, and volunteered as a church librarian for many years. Education was always important to Evelyn; she was a life-member of both Minnesota and National Education Associations, board member of the International Student Fellowship, and secretary for P.T.A. She volunteered at the Knute Nelson library and gift shop for many years. She enjoyed quilting, entertaining friends and family, concerts, church activities, reading. She enjoyed both international and domestic travel. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Floyd (Adeline) Lewis, Bernard Larson and Kerman Larson; two sisters, Ebba (Clifford) Nordsiden and Violet (Leonard) Velander; and nephew, Paul Velander. Evelyn is survived by her sister-in-law, Avis Larson of Parkers Prairie; 12 nieces and nephews; 27 grandnieces and grandnephews; 23 great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews; along with many, many friends. Urnbearers are her nephews, Tim Larson and Ed Larson. Honorary urnbearers are Peter Velander and Floyd Lewis alomg with other nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grand nieces and great-grandnephews. Arrangements provided by Lind Family Funeral & Cremation Services, lindfamilyfh.com

Published on April 7, 2016