Margaret Paula Larson

In Loving Memory of

Margaret Paula Larson

Margaret Paula Larson, age 80, of Ellsworth, MN died peacefully in Slayton on July 24, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Margaret was well-known for her ready smile, generous heart, sense of humor, and dedication to her family, friends, and students.

Margaret was born on June 21, 1943, to Paul and Evabelle Larson in Slayton, where she and her five older siblings lived on a small farm. As a child, she enjoyed cooking, baking, reading novels, sewing and was active in church, choir, band, and 4-H programs. She graduated from Sioux Falls College in 1966 with a degree in Elementary Education and went on to teach Kindergarten and 5th-grade students in Ellsworth, MN for 32 years. She then served as the school’s Assistant Cook for 15 years since she wasn’t quite ready for retirement and wanted to stay in the action. She faithfully cheered from the sidelines of numerous sporting events at the school and for 30+ years served as a statistician for basketball and volleyball games – sometimes up to 8 games in a single week. Her dedication and ever-present bag of gifts and goodies were enjoyed by all! At home, Margaret turned her attention to talking on the phone with her sisters, caring for her furry companions and watching the Twins baseball games. Margaret also enjoyed collecting stamps, Raggedy Ann memorabilia, Swedish gifts that celebrated her heritage, fabric for a long list of sewing projects, and school supplies for great-nieces and nephews and for various charitable organizations. On weekends, you could find Margaret attending services at Zion Presbyterian Church or Lake Sarah Baptist Church or buying and selling Beanie Babies, model cars, and other items at local Flea Markets.

Margaret gave her life to Christ at the age of 9 while attending church camp so she is enjoying the presence of her Heavenly father. Margaret is survived by her sisters – Dorothy Bloemendaal (Slayton, MN), Frances Pedersen (Slayton, MN) and Mary Miller (New Prague, MN), her sister-in-law Marge Larson (Slayton, MN), and 23 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Evabelle Larson, her brothers David and Donald Larson, sister-in-law Ina Mae Larson, her brothers-in-law Bob Bloemendaal, Hank Pedersen and Willis Miller, and 7 nieces and nephews. Margaret loved to laugh, and her words of wisdom were to spend time with family, but not too much time.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 28 from 9:30-10:30 at the Lake Sarah Baptist Church, followed by a 10:30 funeral service and luncheon. Pastor Kory Tedrick officiating.

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