Verla Larson

Verla Lucille Larson, 92, of Sibley, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Sanford Regional Medical Center in Sheldon, Iowa.

The daughter of Cornelius “Curly” and Lena Heikes, Verla was born on April 2, 1932, in Ellsworth, Minnesota. 

She attended country school and later graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1949. Following graduation, Verla worked as a nanny for a few families and then accepted a position at Tri-State Insurance in Luverne, Minnesota, where she worked for several years.

Verla caught Don Larson’s eye at a dance in Ellsworth, and after a few years of dating they were united in marriage on July 11, 1952, in Ellsworth. Shortly thereafter, Don left to serve overseas in the Korean War. Upon his return, they first made their home in Sibley, Iowa.

Verla devoted herself to supporting Don and their family, actively participating in all aspects of their farming operation, including her favorite, driving the combine during harvest for 60-plus years.

Throughout their marriage, Verla and Don attended many dances at the Ellsworth “Red Roof’’ and other area dance halls. They also cherished spending time playing cards with friends.

Verla poured her heart into her family, spending countless hours assisting her daughters with 4-H projects, gardening, cooking, sewing, and crafting quilts for her daughters and grandchildren. Weekends were often filled traveling with Don and their daughters to horse shows. 

Verla looked forward to spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s activities. At the Larson farm, many memories were created over the years.

Her greatest joy was her six daughters: Lori, Luann, Debbie, Donna, Becky, and Valerie, but always on the back of her mind was the untimely death of her mother, Lena, when Verla was only 10, and the premature death of Don and Verla’s infant son, Brian Don. 

Surely, her mother’s invisible wings were beneath Verla, whispering words of encouragement, support, and direction throughout her life. 

Survivors include her husband of nearly 72 years, Don, and her daughters Lori Lovera of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Luann Dodge of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Debbie (Bob) Liechty of Marion, Iowa; Donna Larson of Johnston, Iowa; Becky (Tom) Block of Sibley, Iowa; and Valerie Larson-Holmes (Mike) of Brandon, South Dakota.

Also left to cherish her memory are 20 grandchildren: Nikki (Jeff) Pelant, Alex (Serena) Lovera, Erica (Eric) Draeger, and Zachary Lovera & fiancée Olivia; Jesse Dodge, Sarah Dodge and husband Kristian Johnson; William (Emily) Liechty, Katie (Anthony) Solano, Andrea (Damonte’) Stogner, and Caroline Liechty; Amanda (Luke) Goetzke, Brandon Korkow & fiancée Anna, and David Korkow; Brittiany (Nick) Meyne, Brian (Nicole) Block, and Taylor Block; Cameron Holmes and wife Carolyn Lussenhop), Andrew Holmes & fiancée McKayla, Elizabeth (Mason) Blue, and Carter Holmes; and 21 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Lambert, George, twin sisters Madeline and Adeline, and Lorraine. 

Verla will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, strength and devotion to family will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. 

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, April 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Osceola County Ambulance Service.

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