Edith E. Larsen

Funeral Service
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 11:00 AM
Elk Horn Lutheran Church
Elk Horn, Iowa

Officiating
Reverend Keith Menter

Music
“On Eagle’s Wings”     “One Day At A Time”
Congregation
“The Lord’s Prayer” Keith Menter, Vocalist
Janell Hansen, Organist

Casket Bearers ~ Grandchildren
Jeremy Larsen     Drew Larsen
Kelli McGuire     Krista Larsen
Fleet Larsen     Travis Larsen

Interment
Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery
Elk Horn, Iowa

   Edith Elyria, daughter of Peter and Nicoline (Mikkelsen) Petersen, was born June 26, 1920 near Elk Horn, Iowa. She grew up on a farm south of Elk Horn. Edith attended country school and was the last living member of the EHK Class of 1939. She attended the American Institute of Business School in Des Moines, but discovered sitting at a typewriter and taking shorthand all day was not for her. She then worked to earn money to go to Cedar Falls State Teachers College and take Normal Training so she could teach country school.
   On August 2, 1942 Edith was united in marriage with Kenneth Larsen. Three sons were born to this union. When Kenneth entered the U.S. Army, Edith followed him when possible during his time stateside. After his honorable discharge, the couple made their home in Elk Horn. Edith worked as a stay-at-home mom while Kenneth operated his carpentry business.
   Later on, Edith graduated from Drake University in 1970, getting her Bachelor of Science Degree and had just returned to teaching in the Elk Horn-Kimballton School system when Kenneth died on October 10, 1972. She continued teaching school until 1986 when she retired.
   Edith was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church. She enjoyed traveling with the “Friendship Force of Iowa”. She was also an avid reader and did quilting and needlepoint. Edith was active in the community with countless hours of volunteering at the Danish Museum and Bestemors. She was a loyal supporter of the Danish Windmill and the EH library. Edith was recognized for her community spirit when elected as the 2009 Tivoli Queen at the Tivoli Festival. One of her personal highlights was her role in the Danish documentary about her community.
   Edith lived a great life. She moved to Salem Lutheran Home in January of 2019, and died there early on Friday morning, October 11, 2019 at the age of 99 years, 3 months, and 21 days of age.
   Those who predeceased Edith were husband Kenneth Larsen, her parents Peter and Nicoline Petersen, sister Helga (Jack) Lange, sister Asta (Earl) Wiechmann, brother Verner Petersen and brother-in-law Alan Larsen. Edith is survived by three sons: Mark (Susan) Larsen of Mount Ayr; Kent (Beverly) Larsen of Polk City; and Kevin (Cindy) Larsen of Carroll; Grandchildren: Jeremy (Tori) Larsen of Mount Ayr; Drew (Billi) Larsen of Mount Ayr; Kelli (Todd) McGuire of Grimes; Krista (Tommy Bramley) Larsen of Charlotte, N.C.; Fleet (Joy) Larsen of Bettendorf; and Travis (Molly Spellman) Larsen of Des Moines; Great-grandchildren: Jordan Larsen (Catlyn) Larsen, Macy Larsen, Zoey Larsen, Karlie Larsen, Kacie Larsen, Kallie Larsen, Jacob McGuire, Samuel McGuire, Tess McGuire, Katelyn Larsen, Alex Larsen, Clara Larsen, Jake Larsen and Lillian Larsen; a sister-in-law Reta Larsen of Elk Horn; other relatives and friends.