Gladys June Larsen

Gladys June Larsen (Kruse), age 96, passed away on July 6, 2017, in Alexandria, Minnesota at Knute Nelson Care Center. Although she was a life-long resident of the Alta-Storm Lake communities, she moved to Minnesota in 2010, to Nelson Gables, an assisted living facility, to be closer to her family. She moved into Knute Nelson Care Center last December as her needs required. Gladys was born on Oct. 7, 1920, to Charlotte (Carlberg) and Axel Kruse on a farm north of Alta, Iowa. She attended Fairview Consolidated School and later graduated from Alta High School in 1938. In 1939, she graduated from Sioux City Beauty Academy and took her first job in Denison, Iowa, where she met and married the “love of her life”, James Larsen, on April 12, 1943. On Jim’s return home from WWII, they settled first in Storm Lake, then, later Alta, Iowa, where they raised their two daughters, Linda and Nancy. Gladys owned and operated a beauty shop in Storm Lake for 30 yrs., retiring in 1982, due to Jim’s failing health. In her earlier years, Gladys loved to bowl, golf, garden and feed the squirrels and birds. She was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta, as well as an active participant in the Ruth women’s group, helping with various workshops and volunteering. She was a charter member of the Alta Chapter O.E.S. #138 Eastern Star. The “We Care” (grief support for spouses) was also a joy to her in her retiring years. Preceding Gladys in death were her parents, Charlotte (Carlberg) Kruse and Axel S. Kruse; husband, Jim (1989); brother, Kenneth Kruse (1992); sisters, Louise Kruse (1952) and Lucille Witt (1994); son-in-law, Edmund Silver (2016); as well as several extended family members. Gladys’ survivors include her two daughters, Linda Hoffman (David) and Nancy Silver (Ed, deceased); four grandchildren, Sean Silver (Ann), Scott Silver (Neysa), Megan (Hoffman) Gibbs (Jeff) and Jenn (Hoffman) Schulz (Eric); six great-grandchildren, Anthony and Abigail Silver, Isaiah and Camden Silver and Maggie and D.J. Gibbs; sister-in-law, Janice Kruse of Spirit Lake, Iowa; as well as many loving extended family and friends nation-wide. This lady made new friends wherever she ventured her whole life long! Gladys, a woman of faith, will be long remembered for her engaging smile, her devotion to her family and friends, the enjoyment she found in living each day. She was truly the epitome of “a lady”! A memorial service will be held for Gladys at Trinity Lutheran Church, Alta, Iowa on July 15, 2017. Visitation at 10 a.m., Funeral service at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Alta, Iowa. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta was in charge of the arrangements.

Gladys June Larsen

October 7, 1920 - July 6, 2017