Laura Mae Larson

Laura Mae Larson, the daughter of Elmer C. and Jenny Ethel (Norgaard) Pedersen was born on January 23, 1914, in Harlan, Iowa. She was raised in Harlan and attended Harlan schools through the ninth grade. For a time, she worked cleaning houses for people. On September 12, 1953, Laura Mae married Clifford R. Larson in Harlan. The couple lived away from the Harlan area for several years, and returned to settle in Kirkman, Iowa, in 1962. Clifford died on July 21, 1984, in Omaha, Nebraska. Laura Mae remained in her home until November, 2002, when she became a resident of the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan.

Laura Mae enjoyed doing handicrafts, visiting with people, and dining out with her family. She had a strong trust in God and took pleasure in reading her Bible.

Laura Mae Larson died on Sunday, February 1, 2004, at the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 90 years and 9 days.

Preceding Laura Mae in death were her parents; her husband, Clifford R. Larson; two brothers, Richard Pedersen and Charlie Pedersen; and two daughters, Roxann Schultz and one infant daughter. She is survived by one son, Roger (Cindy) Larson of Defiance, Iowa; one sister, Bernadine (Virgil) Wiley of Irwin, Iowa; one brother, Howard Pedersen of Harlan, Iowa; one grandson, Cory Schultz of Oregon; and other relatives and friends.

A prayer service was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastor Merlene Ostebee of Peace Lutheran Church, Harlan, Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers were Steve Barratt, Rae Zimmerman, Marvin Gross, Mark Feller, and Gary Wiley. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Kirkman, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.