Dorothy M. Larson

Dorothy May Erickson was born May 4, 1928, in Crookston, MN, to Edward and Margaret (Tweten) Erickson. She was the youngest of 4 children. She grew up on a farm in the Fisher, MN, area and attended Fisher public school, graduating in 1945. In describing her childhood, she talked of holidays with family, playing with her older brother Earl, attending a one room school until 5th grade, collecting eggs, bringing the cows in, filling kerosene lamps, carrying in wood, weeding the garden, mowing the lawn and many other farm chores. While in high school, she taught Sunday School and was president of the Luther League at her church.

Dorothy attended Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and graduated in 1949. She made life long friends in college and until her death participated in a round robin letter that kept them in contact. She taught Home Economics in Badger, MN, for 2 years. In 1951 she accepted a position in Hawley, MN teaching Home Economics and Science. In the fall of 1952, she was introduced to Robert (Bob) Larson at a teachers picnic. On August 8, 1954, she married Bob Larson in Fisher, MN. They lived in Hawley where they both taught at Hawley High School. Elizabeth and Roger were born while they lived in Hawley. When Elizabeth was born, Dorothy began her new job as a homemaker. In 1959, Bob and Dorothy moved to an apartment in Moorhead, MN and in 1960, moved into a new home they had built in south Moorhead. In 1962 Ruth was born and then Marilyn in 1965.

Dorothy and Bob were members of The Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Moorhead. The church was an important part of Dorothy's life. She was an active volunteer, contributing her time and talents to women's circle, Sunday school, the church library, quilting and alter guild. In addition, she volunteered in her children's schools and for their various activities.

Dorothy was an accomplished seamstress and sewed clothes for herself and her family. She sewed quilts for all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed caring for her flowers and plants.

In 1970 Bob and Dorothy bought a lake lot and over the next 15 years built a retreat for the family. Dorothy loved the lake and after Bob's retirement, they spent summers there. During retirement, Bob and Dorothy traveled and spent time wintering in the south. They traveled to their children's homes and cared for their grandchildren.

Robert died February 27, 2010, and Dorothy continued to make her home in Moorhead. She died Sunday, May 12, 2019, at ninety-one years of age.

Dorothy lived a life of strong Christian faith. She was a gifted homemaker, loving wife, nurturing mother and devoted grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Bruce) Fanfulik, Detroit Lakes, MN; Roger (Jackie) Larson, Afton, MN; Ruth (Tom) Kloster, Bismarck, ND; and Marilyn (John) Torvik, Savage, MN; grandchildren, Laura (Kyle) Waterworth, Lisa (Brad) Bonk, Julie Fanfulik, Sondra Larson, Anna Larson, Alaina Kloster, Brandon Kloster, Josiah (Emily) Torvik, Caleb Torvik, Noah Torvik, and Siri Torvik; and great-grandchildren, Ella and Chloe Waterworth, and Sydney and Lucas Bonk.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers, Earl and Marlow; and a sister, Beatrice.

Dorothy's family would like to express their gratitude to her niece, Mariann Astrup. She was Dorothy's loving caregiver during her last months. Also, appreciation to Ethos Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate help and guidance.

Visitation will begin at 10 AM, with a Life Celebration service at 11 AM, Friday, May 17, 2019, in The Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Moorhead.