Verna Larson

Verna Jean Larson of Sun City, AZ received her angel wings on 8/20/21 at the age of 94 years. She passed away peacefully at Hope Assisted Living Center where she had resided the past two years. Verna was born on 6/25/1927 to John A. and Olga Larson at Hastings, ND. She was baptized at Spring Creek Lutheran Church in Hastings and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kathryn, ND. She was raised and educated in Valley City, ND., graduating from Valley City H.S. She furthered her education at Dakota Business College, Fargo, ND. Her first employment was Bookkeeper/Accountant for the Farmers Union Oil Company, and later moved to St. Paul, MN where she was the Assistant Administrator of the Employee Benefits Program for CENEX, Inc. She retired from that position in 1987 and moved to Sun City, AZ. Serving her Heavenly Father, church and music were at the center of Verna’s life, always. Her church was her “happy place.” So it was only natural that she joined American Lutheran Church of Sun City, and accepted a staff position as Assistant to the Director of Music. She loved every minute of her responsibilities, retiring after 18 years. Verna was also active in WELCA, Adult Sunday School, and Bible study; she served on the Board of Trustees and many other committees and activities at the church. Verna helped plan trips and outings for the congregation; a highlight was traveling to the Lawrence Welk shows. She loved to tell that while living in St. Paul MN Verna was a fellow choir member with Tom Netherton from that show. She also organized several trips to Norway. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and recently was awarded a Lifetime Award in the Sons of Norway. Along with all of her activities, Verna was a gourmet cook, having attended gourmet classes, and she loved to cook and entertain. Reading, crafts, sewing and knitting were also hobbies she enjoyed. Christmas was her favorite season so her home was full of goodies and was beautifully decorated. Verna was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. When visiting her, she always made you feel special. She knew the fancy places to visit, shop and enjoy the arts, musicals and plays. An amazing trip for her nieces was seeing Disney on Ice in Minneapolis. Doing puzzles with her, baking, warm hugs and her gentle voice—these memories are cherished and will never be forgotten. Verna cherished her family. Oh, and did you know about her big collection of shoes? She loved shoes! Verna will be forever loved and missed. Her family includes her brother-in-law Leo Goetz; nephew Leon Goetz; nieces Carrie Johnson and Linda Stewart; cousins and many friends. She is warmly and lovingly welcomed in heaven by her Heavenly Father, her parents, sister Lois Goetz and brother Kenneth Larson. A memorial service celebrating Verna’s life will be held on Friday, August 27th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the columbarium at American Lutheran Church of Sun City.