Betty Larson

Betty Jane (Christensen) Larson, age 94, of Fergus Falls died January 30, 2018 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Betty was born to Jack and Irene Christensen at Stanley North Dakota on March 20, 1923.  She moved with her family to Tioga North Dakota when she was very young, where she grew to adulthood, graduating from High School in 1941.  She worked with her family on various jobs, helping in the telephone office that was managed by their family, working in her family’s Gamble store and managed the hotel above the Gamble store.  It was there as the hotel manager that she first met Dale Larson, Tioga’s new depot agent, who was looking for lodging.

Dale Larson and Betty Christensen were united in marriage on September 1, 1946 at Betty’s parent’s home in Tioga.  The new couple moved soon to Pillsbury North Dakota where Dale worked as the depot agent and they raised their family.  They welcomed two daughters, Marilyn and Vicki.  Betty was a devoted wife and mom who served as a 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, and an active supporter of all school and church activities.

Betty worked alongside of her husband in his TV and radio repair business, taking phone calls, traveling to Fargo for parts, and helping lug and haul TV’s.

Betty worked a short time at the local grocery store and at a fabric store when her girls were in college.  She and Dale moved to Fergus Falls Minnesota in 1974 where she worked as the secretary for the Minnesota Extension Service in Fergus Falls.  Betty had wished for years to live in Minnesota and she dearly loved her work at the Extension Office.  After retiring she worked many years as a volunteer at Lake Region Hospital where she greeted and shuttled countless patients and their families.

At retirement, Betty and Dale traveled to Arizona for long winter escapes from the cold.  They enjoyed making new friends there, golfing and participating in park activities.

Betty was an organizer, she enjoyed committee and hospitality work.  Dozens of committee meetings were held at her kitchen table planning church and committee feasts and events.  She continued this kind of involvement in Arizona, planning events for the whole park.

Betty was a people person; she had a skill for remembering people and their names.  Where ever she was she greeted people by name and always remembered something about their interests.

Betty is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dale Larson, her two daughters, Marilyn Leraas (Roger Knapp), Barrett MN, and Vicki Neuharth (Gary), Bismarck ND, 5 grandsons, Murray Leraas (Courtney) of Eagan, John Leraas (Melissa) Delano MN, Garik Leraas (Leslie) Alexandria MN, Thomas Neuharth Bismarck ND, and Grant Neuharth (Emily) Denver CO and 9 great grandchildren, Briauna, Rilynn, Avery, Emersyn, Landan, Khalan, Kherington, Kennedy (Lynn) and Karsyn Leraas, sisters-in-law, Alverda Larsen, Minot ND, Darlene Stephan (Earl) Rochester MN, Ardella Johnson, Minot ND, Marjorie Larson, Kenmare ND and many nieces and nephews.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter, Krista Leraas, her son-in-law, Charles Leraas, her sisters Dorothy and her husband Orville Eraas and Lois and her husband Elmer Ridgeway, and brother-in-laws Dallas Larson and his wife Esther, Verlund Larson, Warren Larsen and Paul Johnson.

Memorial Service:  11 AM Saturday, February 10, 2018, at PioneerCare Celebration Center, Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to services.

Clergy:  Chaplain David Strom

Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Online Guestbook:  GlendeNilson.com

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