Dorene Larson
Dorene Dorothy Larson, 81, of McGregor died Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, November 26 at Living Faith United Methodist Parish, Giard. Burial followed at Giard Cemetery, Giard.
Dorene was born April 5, 1938 to Frederick and Florence (Meier) Becker on the family farm in McGregor. She attended Giard Country School and graduated from Monona High School. Dorene worked for REC in Postville before she was united in marriage with Harry Larson November 22, 1963 at Giard United Methodist Church in Giard. They moved to California while Harry served in the Navy. While in California, their first son was born.
In 1965, they moved back to Iowa where Harry and Dorene had three additional children. Dorene enjoyed being a farm wife and homemaker, and enjoyed cooking, baking and helping in the fields. She sold Tupperware and worked as a cook for the Mar-Mac Schools.
Dorene was known for being a loving, devoted wife and mother. She loved playing the church organ, which she did for over 60 years. She taught Sunday School and was devoted to the church, serving in many groups including UMW. Dorene was treasurer of the Giard Cemetery Association. Faith was an important part of her life.
She served in 4-H for 45 years. She was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Dorene enjoyed dancing with Harry, sewing, quilting, music and socializing with others. She always had a smile on her face. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild brought her great joy throughout the last 25 years.
Dorene is survived by her husband, Harry Larson of McGregor; four children, Darren (Jo) Larson of McGregor, Wendy (Kirk) Sadilek of Cedar Rapids, Todd (Kara) Larson of McGregor and Tina (Glen) Gordon of Waterloo, WI; 12 grandchildren, Cody (Chanice) Larson, Chris Larson, Derek Larson, Tristen Scallon, Jonah Scallon, Taylor Scallon, Jacob Sadilek, Peyton Sadilek, Nick Larson, Spencer Larson, Sydney Gordon and Mackenzie Gordon; one great-grandchild, Bowen Larson; two sisters, Beverly (Leland) Parizek of Cedar Rapids and Joyce (Tom) Huinker of Ft. Atkinson; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gladys Howe, Lorraine (Larry) Shoemaker, Markeate Schuler, Anna Marie (Jerry) Ewing, Darlene Klein (Mert Phipps), Daryl (Ellen) Larson and David (Linda) Larson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dorene was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Florence Becker; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Millie (Bob) Daniels, Jan (Bob) Lein, Thelma (Lester) Sampson, Graydon Howe, Adeline (Bob) Jensen and Clark (Janet) Larson.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona assisted the family with arrangements.
