Jane E. Larson

Jane Larson, age 92, of Storm Lake, Iowa died February 7, 2011 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Jane E. Larson was born December 11, 1918 to Bert R. Hatch and Mabel (Wall) Hatch at their home in Marathon, Iowa. The family moved to Alta, Iowa a few years later. Sunday school and church at the Methodist Church was always a regular part of her life. The family moved from town to a farm south of Alta where Jane enjoyed being outside helping care for the livestock and driving the team of horses. They moved later to a larger farm south and east of Alta. Jane started and graduated from the Alta Consolidated School in 1936. Jane entered a Correspondence Business course out of Omaha. Her first job was Mail Order Catalog Department Manager in the Montgomery Ward store in Storm Lake. Later she was moved upstairs as Cashier of the store. It was there where she met her future husband, Lowell G. Larson. They were married at her parentsâ€™ rural home on November 10, 1943. They lived in Lincoln, Nebraska where Lowell was stationed in the Army Air Force Finance Department. Jane worked in the Montgomery Ward store in Lincoln, Nebraska for nearly a year until Lowell was transferred into the Army Infantry, sent to Texas for training and then went overseas to a replacement camp in Germany. Jane returned home and worked at the Montgomery Ward Store in Storm Lake until the arrival of her children. Jane and Lowell were blessed with three children: Gordon, who died at birth, Deanna and Gary. She was active in Sunday school, Bible school, school activities, PTA, Girl and Boy Scouts, band boosters, church activities including WSCS, Circle, church choir for over 25 years, president of the UMW and church trustee. When her children left for college, Jane went back to work at Montgomery Ward in Storm Lake and later was employed in the office of Larson Oil and Distributing Co. until her retirement in the early 1980â€™s. Jane continued to volunteer serving on the Buena Vista County Hospital Auxiliary Board for over 10 years and President for two years as well as a District Representative of the Auxiliary for two years. She was an active member of the Methodist Manor Guild until her health interfered. Jane loved all of her childrenâ€™s activities throughout their education and was proud of their achievements. Summer vacations with family trips from the west coast to Washington, D.C. were special experiences. Later Jane and Lowell were blessed with a precious grandson, Matt. His summer vacations with his grandparents in Storm Lake were a joyous time for all. Jane enjoyed gardening, photography, sewing, traveling, camping, fairs, sports, and musical theater. She was a life member of the United Methodist Church and had belonged to the Storm Lake United Methodist Church for nearly 40 years. She also was a 50 year member and Past Matron of the Alta Order of Eastern Star #138, a member of P.E.O Chapter JD, and a member of Cosmopolitan Club for over 25 years. Survivors include children: Deanna Larson of Storm Lake, Iowa; Gary (Sally) Larson of Shoreview, Minnesota; grandson, Matthew (Kristi) Larson of Madison, Wisconsin; sister, Doris Patterson of Alta, Iowa; niece, Mary Ann Zweibahmer of Storm Lake, Iowa; great niece, Ann Marie (Gene) Fiorendino of Storm Lake, Iowa; great nephew, Ben (Ralna) McVinua of Storm Lake, Iowa; great-great nephew, Tanner Fiorendino of Storm Lake, Iowa; great-great niece, Madison Fiorendino of Storm Lake, Iowa; extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lowell G. Larson; infant son, Gordon Larson; two brothers, Chester Hatch and Ralph Hatch; brothers-in-law, Ilo Larson; Thayer Patterson; sister-in-law, Pauline Larson; aunts; uncles; cousins; and a host of friends. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake or the Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation.

Jane E. Larson

December 11, 1918 - February 7, 2011