Irene Larson

Irene Margaret Christine (Sumption) Larson was born to Ira “Howard” and Anna (Kroeger) Sumption on April 7, 1921 in Tyler, MN. She was baptized on May 12, 1921 and confirmed on June 9, 1935 at Aetna Lutheran Church in Ruthton, MN.  She was raised on farms within a two-mile radius of Ruthton, MN where she attended public school and completed the eighth grade. She continued living with her family helping work the farm; especially enjoying the outdoor duties.

Irene was united in marriage to Ludvig Larson on November 6, 1943 at Aetna Lutheran Church. After living in Tyler and Minneapolis for one and one-half years doing farm labor and household duties, they returned to Ruthton and in 1947 they moved to Cazenovia, MN. They remained there for forty-three years having designed and built their own home where Irene was busy raising their three children and becoming very involved with activities of First Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN. She was president of Ladies Aid (now WELCA), as well as president of her circle, teaching vacation Bible school, and completing the Bethel Bible Series. The family Bible is a treasure trove of margin notes. Irene also was very interested in her family history and she researched family trees for both her and Lud’s family. She was instrumental in organizing family reunions, as well. Throughout the years, Irene was active in the Cazenovia Club.

Upon retirement, Lud and Irene moved to Alexandria, MN in 1990 residing on Lake Geneva where they became members of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Lud passed away on February 25, 1999. Irene remained at their home until July 2014 when she became a resident at the Bethany Community Home. She suffered a stroke on Sunday, September 23, 2018. After a five-day hospital stay, she returned to Bethany on Hospice care where family members provided comfort and love continually until her passing on Monday, October 1, 2018. She was ninety-seven years, five months and twenty-four days.

Irene enjoyed watching sports on television, especially football (Vikings) and baseball (Twins), as well as, attending wrestling matches; loved to play cards; listen to music (taught herself to play the pump organ and piano); and excelled in knitting, crocheting, and even upholstering her own furniture. She also sewed many clothes for herself and two daughters.

Irene’s most favorite joy, however, was spending time with her family. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend with a strong, unwavering faith. She expressed many “words of wisdom” in her lifetime along with a great sense of humor and infectious laugh that have created wonderful memories. She remains in our hearts forever.

Irene is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Sharon (Steve) Huemoller, Fullerton, CA and Lurene (Steve) Heard, Topeka, KS, daughter-in-law, Kim Larson, Wyoming, MN, sister, Doris Rusk, Alexandria, MN and two brothers, Emery Sumption, Cambridge, MN and Russell (MaryAnn) Sumption, Alexandria; sister-in-law, Delores Sumption, Breckenridge, MN: eight grandchildren, Jason (Paula) Greve, Jennifer (Chris) Creswell, Stephenie (William) McLaren, Michael (Anna) Huemoller, Jessica Larson, Misty (Justin) Swearingen, Amanda Larson and Mathew (Christine) Larson; and twelve great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ludvig; son, Larry; three sisters, Leone Heldt, Carol Stier, Sylvia Henderson; one brother, Leroy Sumption; and her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM, Monday, October 8, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Ben Jacobson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Sunday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in the Ruthton City Cemetery on Tuesday at 11 AM. A gathering will immediately follow the interment at the Ruthton Community Center. Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Radio Fund, 822 Douglas St., Alexandria, MN 56308.