Joanne Larson

Joanne A. Larson, 78, of Harpers Ferry, IA, died Monday, January 6, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11th, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA, with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be at Waterville Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 AM until the time of services Saturday at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, IA, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lynn Felkey, c/o Martin-Grau Funeral Home, PO Box 59, Waukon, IA 52172.

Joanne Arlene Larson was born April 22, 1946, in Waterville, IA, the daughter of Irvin O. and Helen M. (Budahl) Iverson. She was baptized and confirmed at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon, IA, attended Waterville schools, and helped on the family farm. On October 7, 1961, Joanne married Lawrence Ingvald Larson at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon.

A wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, Joanne had a great capacity for forgiveness and compassion, creating a safe and loving home for everyone. She kept a large garden for canning and was an amazing cook, from the best potato salad and pancakes to a ton of lefse. She made many cakes for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. After her children were grown, Joanne worked a variety of jobs at Monona Wire, Kol Gol, and was a CNA at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. In the early 1990s, Joanne operated Jo's Craft and Country Store in Rossville. In 2002, she and Lawrence moved to Harpers Ferry, IA, where she resided until moving to Nevada, IA, in 2023.

With her strong faith, Joanne was an active member of Old East Paint Creek, belonging to the Naomi Circle and teaching Bible school. She was also very artistic and enjoyed drawing, ceramics, quilting, and crocheting. She treasured spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren, loved watching the hummingbirds flit around freely, and liked completing word search puzzles.

Joanne is survived by her children: Laurie (Carrol) McCracken of Nevada, IA, Lisa (Al) Schultz of Fairbanks, AK, Lynn (Tom) Felkey of State Center, IA, and Pam Larson of Decorah, IA; grandchildren: Larry Abrams, Jimmy Larson, Yvette Hardin, Kacey, Lukas, and Lars Larson, Sean McCracken, Jennifer Schwartz, Heidi Schultz, Logan Fitchett, Matthew Larson, and Paige Mihm; great-grandchildren: Ayden, Avery, and Austin Abrams, Madden Behel, Kylar and Linley Larson, Kaleb Matthews, Brylee Hardin, Scarlet and Rylee Larson, Keirra, Jace, and Trinity Spencer, Blake Schultz, Oaklyn Fitchett, Myah and Hayden Larson, and Harbor and baby on the way Mihm; three sisters: Shirley Tanguay of Summerville, SC, Carol Morse of Knoxville, TN, and Sally Blackford of Blue Mound, WI; and a brother Ronnie Knopf of Pleasant Plains, AR.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lawrence in 2020; son Larry J. Larson; granddaughter Heather Spencer; a brother Irvin "Sonny" Iverson; and her beloved dachshund Willie in 2024.

Honorary casketbearers are Larry Abrams, Sean McCracken, Jimmy and Matthew Larson, Logan Fitchett, and Lukas and Lars Larson. Casketbearers are Brian, Brad, Bruce, Blaire, and Blaine Benzing, and Kenan Johnson.