Florence Lorena Larsen Obituary (1926

Florence Lorena (Spease) Larsen, age 97 of Blair, passed away peacefully August 2, 2024. Memorial services will be held Saturday August 10, 2024, at 2:00PM at First Lutheran Church in Blair, Nebraska. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Private graveside services will be held at the Blair Cemetery. Florence was born November 1, 1926, in Hooper, Nebraska, the daughter of James and Lizzie (Heller) Spease. Her family resided for several years in Stuart, Nebraska, living in the upstairs of the depot where her father was a station manager for Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Due to her father’s employment Florence lived in several other small towns in Nebraska, graduating from Hooper High School in 1944. Florence then started her teaching career at District #51 in Washington County, attending Midland Lutheran College in the summers to obtain her teaching certificate. Florence went on to teach in Howells, Oakland, and Herman, Nebraska working with all ages of students as a music teacher, as well as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. While teaching in Oakland, Florence met Philip Larsen. The couple were married August 26, 1951, at Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska and made their home in Blair, Nebraska. Along with being a homemaker, Florence taught herself bookkeeping to assist Phil in his construction and real estate businesses. She was a longtime substitute teacher in Washington County schools and enjoyed volunteering at First Lutheran Church, Danish American Archive & Library, and elsewhere in the Blair community. Forever a teacher at heart, Florence served as 4-H Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Sunday School teacher. Florence enjoyed many hobbies: playing the piano, family genealogy, and china painting among her favorites. She was cofounder of the Blair China Painters Club and served as president of the Nebraska China Painters Club. Above all else, Florence treasured time spent with her family and many friends. Florence is survived by her children: Diane (Gary) Madsen, Keith (Lori) Larsen, Lorene Larsen; grandchildren: Lars (Julie) Madsen, Leif (Amanda) Madsen, Joseph (Rachel) Evans, Jakob Larsen; five great grandchildren; sister-in-law Agnes Paulsen, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Phil Larsen, her parents, an infant son, and sisters Lois Cunningham and Lila Ronan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church in Blair, the Danish American Archive & Library (DAAL) in Blair, Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Oklahoma, or the charity of the donor’s choice.