April 4, 1953 ~ November 20, 2025
LuAnne (Lu) Larsen, 72, passed away unexpectedly in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday November 20, 2025. Lu was born on April 4, 1953, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and was the daughter of Lewis and Ferne (Grill) Larsen. Lu grew up in Eagle Grove, and was a 1971 graduate of Eagle Grove High School. She earned her BA in Education from Iowa State University, and her MA in writing from the University of Missouri, Columbia. At the beginning of her career, Lu taught High School English in Jefferson City, MO. She relocated to San Diego, CA, to work as a publicity specialist for the US Marine Corps, and to work with the Dale Carnegie Organization.
Lu enjoyed ballroom dancing, and was a very talented creative writer and artist (mainly painting), for which she won awards.
Lu loved the thirty years she spent in the San Diego Area. In 2015, Lu returned to Eagle Grove to care for and spend time with her parents. She moved to Ames in 2023.
Lu is survived by her brother Jim (Carolyn) Larsen; nieces: Elizabeth (Kyle) Smith and Michelle (Michael) Scholl; nephew, Paul (Claire) Larsen; great nephew, Gabriel Smith and great niece Stella Scholl. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Family Graveside services will be at a later date. Foust Funeral Home is handling her arrangements.
Contributions in Lu’s memory may be sent to the National Spine Health Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.
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