Doris Larson

Doris I. Larson, 82, of Westby died on Friday, July 20, 2012. Doris I. Larson, 82, of Westby passed away peacefully on Friday morning, July 20, 2012 at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. Doris was born in La Crosse to Melvin and Anna (Carlson) Hanson on October 28, 1929. On February 12, 1947 she was united in marriage to James O. Larson at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Westby and soon after they began their life long journey into farming. Doris' life was fulfilled through seeing her grandchildren grow-up. She felt such joy when she could share her Norwegian baked goods with them especially at the Christmas holiday. The Christmas season was her favorite and having her family all gathered together meant so much to her. Doris was a tireless worker and found pleasure in milking cows, harvesting a beautiful tobacco crop, canning, and baking bread daily. She appreciated friendships developed during church circle and neighborhood gatherings as well as visits to family. James and Doris were married for 53 years and their time away from the farm was a daily drive to see the farming community. Their marriage was blessed with five boys and she is survived by sons Larry (Nila), Roger (Georgia), Gary (Lori), Kevin (Julie); and daughter-in-law Jan Larson; 14 grandchildren Kip Larson, Anne Larson, Michael (Joyce) Larson, Greg Larson, Kristi (Nathan) Hill, Tony (Kathy) Larson, Andrea Larson, Laura (Kent) Olson, Melissa Watts, Jessica (Brad) Meulemans, Timothy Larson, Craig Larson, Thomas Larson and Katherine Larson; and 10 great-grandchildren Megan, Benjamin, Andrew, Nathaniel, Hannah, Jonathan, Lucas, Matthew, Katie and Adisson; sister Verna Holte; sister-in-law Elizabeth (David) Veum; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband James; son David; infant grandson John; siblings Aline (Morris) Holte, Raymond (Caroline) Hanson, Orville (Ellen) Hanson, Lillian (Tilman) Fladhammer; brothers-in-law Stanley Holte and Raymond Bakkum. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Julie Wollman will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, (Hwy. 14 S.) in Westby from 4-7 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Norseland Nursing Home and the pastors at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church for the care and compassion they showed to Doris and her family. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Country Coon Prairie Preservation Fund or he Vernon County Fair. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.