Selma M. Larson

Selma M. Larson, 93, Rothsay, MN, died Sunday, November 3, 2024, at her residence.

Selma Malena Swenson was born August 5, 1931, in Shelly, MN, to Emil and Bertha (Eftland) Swenson. She attended Cheerful Hut school, which was a one room school in rural Shelly. She graduated from Climax High School in 1949. 

Selma, known to many as “Sam”, was a hard worker her entire life. At an early age, she not only helped on the family farm in rural Shelly, but she also worked for local farmers alongside her siblings picking potatoes, milking cows and hoeing sugar beet fields. 

On December 25, 1949, Selma was united in marriage to Obed Larson in Hendrum, MN. They lived in Moorhead for a short while, welcoming a daughter, Terryl. They settled in Hendrum and expanded their family, welcoming sons, Steve, Marlo and Mitch. Selma was a wonderful homemaker for her family. In 1965, after the kids were a bit older, Selma took a job with Silver Line Boat Company. She worked in quality control and always said, “boats did not leave the dealership without her approval”. She took immense pride in her position and continued even when they transitioned to be an Arctic Cat dealership. While living in Hendrum, Selma also worked at the grocery store and Nepstad Oil for several years. In February 1996, Obed passed away from a heart attack. Then in 1997, Selma lost two sons, Steve and Mitch in a tragic work accident. She always told her friends and family, it was her unwavering Faith that kept her going. 

 Sam started volunteering at the school in Hendrum and soon became known as “Grandma Sam”. She absolutely loved spending the days with all the kids. When she turned 85, she slowed down working at the school to three days a week. In 2020, Sam moved to Rothsay to be closer to her daughter, Terry. 

In her spare time, Sam enjoyed writing children’s books. Although she didn’t publish them, many are still available for her family to enjoy for years to come. She enjoyed collecting rocks when she travelled throughout the United States and was especially proud to visit Norway with her siblings and the fact she travelled to 49 states. 

Sam will be remembered and missed by her daughter, Terryl “Terry” Larson; one son, Marlo Larson; daughters-in-law, Angie Larson (Dustin Reinhart) and Sheryll Larson; foster children, Mary Halverson and Phyllis Halvorson; grandchildren, Micki (Chad) Curtis, Matt Halverson, Brian Larson, Cody (Nicole) Larson, Taylor (Dylan) Bowen, Tony (Bruna) Larson, Sylas Larson-Reinhart, Madisyn Larson-Reinhart, Clay Larson-Reinhart, Dani (Andrew) Lovick, Ben Larson, Weston Hughes, and Marcelle (Adam) Trombley; great-grandchildren, Cassi (Patrick) Lee, Nick (Lauren Barry) Curtis, Emmitt Curtis, Brady Halverson, Rory Bowen, River Bowen, Raya Bowen, Avery Lovick, Layla Lovick, Gavin Trombley, and Davis Trombley; great-great-grandchildren, Elyn Lee and Isla Lee; and sisters, Olga Meyer-Gregor, Alice Brenden and Lucy Doerfler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Steve Larson and Mitch Larson; 5 brothers; and 2 sisters.

Visitation for Sam will be Friday, November 8, 2024 from 6pm – 8pm in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead. Her funeral service will be Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 2pm in New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, MN.