Obituary: Mary E. Larson

Mary E. Larson, age 87, of Brillion, passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Mary was born on January 31, 1936, in Green Bay, daughter of the late William and Doris (Degal) Barnard. She was a graduate of Reedsville High School, class of 1953. She then explored her interests in German, government, history, and teaching at Lawrence University, eventually graduating in 1957.Mary started her teaching career at Logan High School in La Crosse and then moved to teach at Brillion High School. Mary married Richard Larson on December 27, 1958, at St. John St. James Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsville. He preceded her in death on June 19, 1998. While Mary paused her teaching career to raise their two children, she always found time to volunteer at schools, libraries, andchurch. Once her children were grown, she taught German at Trinity Ev. Lutheran School, in Brillion,and English at Menasha Jr. High. Her faith was very important to her, and Mary was an active member on multiple committees at Trinity. She also was called and served her civic duty as President of the Library Board, Jury Commissioner, a member of the City of Brillion Election Board and was appointed by Rep.

Petrie to the Military Academy Committee. Mary enjoyed bowling, golfing, book club, and bridgeclub. Mary was an avid Brewer and Packer fan, and she was at the Ice Bowl. She could speak German and Russian very well, and even traveled down a river in Russia on a vacation. But above all else, Mary loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially hosting Christmas dinner and decorating cookies with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Peter Larson and Kristin (Dan) Jennings; grandchildren: Kenzie Larson, and Riley and Daniel Jennings; sister-in-law: Judy Larson; nieces, nephews, and dear friends whom she considered family: The Kruegers: Rev. Mark and Kris, Jessica, Jeffery (Maddie) and their children, and Michelle (Brock) Reisler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard; brother: Dale “Bud” Barnard; sister: Suzanne Falck; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Emil and Viola (Krasin) Larson; other in-laws: Larry Larson and Sharon (Bob) Hicks; and two nieces and one nephew: Jenny Brockert, Ann Larson, and Jay Barnard.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion. Officiating will be Rev. Ross Henzi and Rev. Thomas Fricke. A private family burial service will be held after the funeral at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.pielhopwieting.com