Mary Frances Larson passed away on August 12 at the age of 97. Born in Webster City in 1927, she was the only child of Guyon and Mary Whitley. When she was a youngster, the family moved to Ames and loved their home on Brookridge Avenue.
Mary Fran’s parents encouraged her to go away to college, so she enrolled in the University of Iowa and graduated in1948. She met Jack Larson when he returned from his military service in Japan. Jack still had a semester to go until graduation at the U of I, so Mary Fran worked at the student union, and in August of 1949, they began their (nearly) 70 years of married life.
Mary Fran was a city girl, but quickly adapted to small town life in Hanlontown where she taught school, and then to nearly 20 years on the farm north of town. The family moved to Clear Lake in 1968 where she enjoyed working at Central School as a teacher’s aide. She was an avid reader who enjoyed both current events and history. Along with collecting antiques and creating a beautiful yard, she supported and volunteered for many local causes including the Clear Lake Library, the Arts Council, the Community Kitchen and the Garden Club. She enjoyed her friends in the 21st Century and PEO clubs. She valued her long-time community of parishioners at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mason City.
Jack and Mary Fran enjoyed many deep friendships over the years with other couples from both Hanlontown and Clear Lake. They would gather to play cards or go out to eat but mainly, to visit.
Mary Fran was a loving and devoted mother who believed in the power of positive reinforcement. She is survived by four daughters who benefitted from her kindness and cheerful outlook toward her family and her community. Mary Fran encouraged her daughters to “move to someplace interesting to visit,” and they did, Chris (Jim) to Waite Hill, Ohio; Sarah (Joel) to Boulder, Colorado; Laura (David) to Fort Bragg, California; and Martha (Jerry) to Bayfield, Wisconsin and Destin, Florida. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jack and Nathan Welter and Rachel and Rebecca Smith.
Mary Fran’s family is grateful for the help provided by Tracy Hansen, Marsha Brunsvold, Brandon Flugum and Sandy Dillavou in her final years, for the caring and attentive staff at Oakwood Care Center, and for the wonderful St. Croix Hospice staff and volunteers. The family also gives heartfelt thanks to Mary Fran’s niece Jane Jacobs, who was present in her last hours.
A memorial service will be held in September.
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