Bessie Larsen

Bessie Lydia Larsen was born March 29, 1918, in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Joseph and Henrietta (Burnham) Helberg. She grew up with one sister, Virginia, and attended school in Sioux Falls. She met the love of her life, Donald Larsen, and they were married at Congregational Church in Sioux Falls on December 11, 1938. They lived in Sioux Falls before moving to Humboldt, SD, to farm for 2 years before moving to Richville, MN, in 1945 where they dairy farmed until retiring in 1975. They spent their winters in Texas until 1995 when health issues brought them back to Minnesota to be closer to their two children, Donna and Ronald, and their families.

Bessie enjoyed many activities: gardening, flowers, living by the lake with family picnics, holidays and get-togethers. She loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, crafting, playing cards and was very good at drawing. Like all good lake people she enjoyed swimming and fishing.

She was involved with early United Methodist Church when it was known as Ladies Aide, was president of WSCS, youth counselor (along with Don), Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher and choir. Bessie was also president of Dead Lake Extension. She had a very busy life.

Surviving Bessie is her daughter Donna; five grandchildren Georgia, David, Michelle, Sheila and Stacy; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her niece Virginia Lee Peterson of Baltic, SD.

A private memorial service and interment will be held.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service – Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com