Helen Larson

Mt. Morris, IL; Helen L. Larson, age 95, died Wednesday January 16, 2013 in her home. She was born August 27, 1917 in Mt. Morris Township, IL the daughter of Ray I. & Mattie B. (Kerns) Avey. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School Class of 1934. Helen married Walter F. Larson on July 3, 1940 in Mt. Morris, IL. Helen's life revolved around her family, church and community. Helen was a homemaker, and when her kids were in school she worked in the school kitchen. She was the volunteer secretary for Disciples United Methodist Church (formally United Methodist Church) and continued there once it became a paid position. She belonged to the Current Events Club, United Methodist Women, Church Circles, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, Sunset Golf Club, she was actively involved in the fire district, and she was a Charter member of the Pinochle Club. Additionally she was a Girl Scout Leader, a Cub Scout Den Mother as well as a tutor and mentor at church before school. Helen most enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed spending time at "WAHELA", the family cottage in Whitewater, WI. There she loved swimming, fishing, canoeing, sailing, and water skiing. She also enjoyed entertaining friends and playing cards. She loved to attend the many activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved traveling over the years. She traveled to Norway, Denmark, Hawaii, to many elder hostiles in the Midwest and took many winter trips to Texas and Arizona. Helen is survived by her son: Bradley (Jenny) Larson, Mt. Morris, IL; daughters: Karen E. Larson, Decatur, IL; Margie C. (John) Harris, Franksville, WI; daughter in law: Barbara Larson, Madison, WI; ICYE daughter: Ellen (Toby) Nilsson, Sweden; eight grandchildren: Julie Larson, Madison, WI; Rob (Lori) Larson, Madison, WI; Tod (Deanna) Carlock, Troy, TX; Stephanie (Steve) Scott, Dixon, IL; Lara (Pete) Spencer, Fall Creek, WI; Kristin Harris, Madison, WI; Justin (Lisa) Harris, Waukesha, WI; Angel Larson, Decatur, IL; sixteen great-grandchildren; Cassandra, Denzel, Dayna, Nikki, Samantha, Max, Breanna, Paige, Rebecca, Katie, Devin, Skylar, Joseph, Samantha, Nathaniel, Daniel; and one great-great-grandchild; Nevaeh. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Walter after 59 years of marriage; son: Charles Larson; sister: Ruth Beck; brother: Donald Avey. A visitation will be Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt Street, Mt. Morris, IL. Funeral Services will be Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Doc Newcomb officiating. Burial will be in Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris Kable Community Band and Serenity Hospice.