Bertha Larson

Bertha “Bert” Marie Larson, 94, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at the Pioneer Heritage Cottage in Fergus Falls. She was born March 25, 1914, in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Timan and Sigrid (Stoen) Sanden. She grew up in Minneapolis, graduating from Central High School in 1932.  Following graduation, she moved to Fergus Falls to care for an ill aunt. While there, she met the boy next door, Vern Larson, and they were married on June 14, 1935. The couple had three children. After the tragic drowning of her husband on June 29, 1946, Bertha worked at a number of jobs, including as bookkeeper at the Fergus Falls clothier, St. Clair and Rovang, while also raising her children.  She later obtained her Psychiatric Nurses Certificate and worked for ten years at the Fergus Falls State Hospital. On August 11, 1962, she married her husband’s brother, Walter J. Larson, a widower, and gained two more daughters. They built their home on Mabelle Avenue in 1964 and dedicated it to the Lord. Throughout the next twenty years they were always willing to open their home to their families, their many friends and many of God’s servants including visiting choirs, missionaries and pastors.  Wallie passed away on May 1, 1989. Bertha was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, and their Golden Age Fellowship, and was also a member of the Sons of Norway.  She served on various church boards, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was honored by the Pioneer Home for volunteering over 1,000 hours. She was a great cook. She and Wallie loved to entertain and travel, with their travels taking them all over the world. Bertha also enjoyed knitting, rosemaling and needlepoint. Preceding her in death were her parents; both spouses; and two brothers, Torleif and Robert Sanden. Survivors include two sons, Richard (Jane) Larson of Shoreview and Gary (Adele) Larson of White Bear Township; one daughter, Sharon (Vern) Johnson of Fergus Falls; Walter’s two daughters, Betty (Roland) Viger and Patricia Anderson all of Fergus Falls; 12 grandchildren, Katherine (Jeff) Lindgren, Peter (Tanya) Larson, Lori (Neil) Lundgren, Thomas (Kay) Larson, Stephen (Marisa) Larson, Todd (Susan) Johnson, Jed (Heidi) Johnson, Melissa (Matt) Davis, Debra (Marv) Sawtell, Mark (Teri) Viger, Scott (Gail) Anderson and Sheryl Anderson; 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Bert's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Pioneer Pointe staff and for the wonderful care given her by the caregivers at Pioneer's Heritage Cottage. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1:30 pm Monday at the First Baptist Church, Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Ned Eerdmans and Chaplain Harry Olson Interment:  Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Memorials preferred to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or the Pioneer Home Foundation. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com