General Information
Full Name: Joanne “Jo” Larson

Date of Birth: May 6, 1931

Date of Death: March 23, 2013

Joanne’s life story

Joanne “Jo” Larson

On May 6, 1931 in Grantsburg, MN, Joanne Aileen was born the only child to parents Einar and Hilma (Nelson) Larson. Raised in Rush City, MN, she attended a one room elementary school. As a young girl, Jo formed life-long friendships when she met Phyllis and Dick. They spent every moment together. Jo enjoyed being a majorette, but was most proud to be in the graduating Class of 1949 from Rush City High School. They called themselves the 49r’s. Jo was proud to be the “keeper” of the Memory Book.

Sears and Roebuck Company was Jo’s first job, followed by Texaco for several years. For over 25 years, she was the lead key punch operator for the John Deere Company in Bloomington. Jo was fortunate to retire at the early age of 55 ½.

Most of Jo’s years were spent living in Bloomington, with a great roommate and life-long friend, Joyce. For over 60 years, they have worked and played together. After Jo and Joyce retired from the John Deere Company, they decided to move to Mesa, Arizona. They spent the next ten years in Mesa, where Jo and Joyce met wonderful friends. Missing the people of Minnesota, they moved back to Bloomington and later to Shakopee. Jo and Joyce played hard, especially when it came to shopping, with Macy’s and Herberger’s being their favorite stores. Jo and Joyce also enjoyed dropping a few coins in the slot machines at Mystic Lake Casino.

Jo enjoyed reading, baking, & antiquing. She also enjoyed needlework with sequins and beads and made sure we all had beautiful Christmas tree skirts and stockings. Jo loved to listen to polka music and cheer on the Minnesota Vikings. She loved dogs and dogs loved her. Jo had a special bond with Harley the Bassett hound, who belonged to Phyllis, but her heart belonged to her companion Murphy. One for her biggest passions each Christmas was creating the large scene of the village and enjoying the fruits of her labor for many, many weeks.

Never having any family of her own, Jo formed her own special family through the years. After the passing of her life-long friend Phyllis, she promised to take over the role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family. Jo also accepted the role of Godmother to Candy, Larry, Todd and Craig. She has always treasured and relished being part of their extended families. Jo was the family historian. She could tell us anything about our relatives, Rush City or anyone that lived there! Joe always had stories to tell about their growing up years.

A feisty woman in nature, Jo was all bark and no bite. Life was simple, yet she enjoyed it to the fullest. The early morning hours of Saturday, March 23, 2013, Jo, age 81, passed away peacefully at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee, MN.

Deeply missed and remember always by those who loved Jo, life-long friend, Joyce Loftus; cousins, Shirley Ohnesorge, Priscilla (Larry) Schmidt, Lynn (Joe) Aubert, Marlen (Sandy) Holmberg, Charlotte Jacoway, Twila Telega, Ferris Jean Anderson, Larry Anderson, Bonnie Bloomdahl, Marvin Anderson, Vernette Miller; special loving extended family; Candy and John Peck; extended granchildren, John (Andrea) Peck, Jessica (Paul) Klose, Jared (Kristine) Peck, Jill Peck; extended great-grandchildren, Ashley, Breanna, Kyler, Kaylee, Joey, Addison, Aubrey Joanne; special devoted friends, Denise Wilson and David Gunlikson.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Einar and Hilma; cousin, Bob and faithful companion, Murphy the dog. Urn bearers for Jo will be Jared and John.

The Celebration of Life Service will be on Monday, April 1 at 5 pm, with visitation one hour prior, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. Jean Breeggemann will be the celebrant. Jo will be laid to rest at First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City, MN, in the spring.

The Larson family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Shakopee Chapel.

Visitation
When: Monday, April 1st, 2013, 4:00 till 5:00 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 833 S. Marschall Road
Shakopee, MN 55379

Celebration of Life Service
When: Monday, April 1st, 2013, 5:00 PM
with a reception luncheon to follow
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 833 S. Marschall Road
Shakopee, MN 55379

Interment
First Lutheran Cemetery
Rush City, MN

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