Geneva Pauline Larson

OREGON-Geneva P. Larson, age 92, of Oregon, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at Four Winds Lodge in Verona. She was born on April 17, 1921, In Lodi, the daughter of Thomas and Gertrude (Knuteson) Ryan, and lived there until her graduation from high school. Geneva met Howard Larson from Oregon, knew he was “the one”, and they were married a year later on June 28, 1941, in Madison at Holy Redeemer Rectory. The couple had five children and during their early school years, they all kept busy in 4-H, sports, girl scouts, and with music. When the home became quiet and Howard was busy driving school bus, Geneva left her farm chores and took a job working many years at WPS. Her hobbies included making quilts, tablecloths, and wall-hangings with candle wicking. Geneva and Howard also enjoyed bowling in couple’s league and were charter members in a card club. They were members of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church for over sixty years. After retirement, they enjoyed travel to different states and countries, but preferred their country home life best. The arrival of their grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren brought them such pleasure and fun. Their favorite foods made at the farm were apple pie, applesauce, and strawberry jam. Geneva’s family made her very happy and she appreciated the good care they took of her after Howard passed away. She was also very proud of her father who played first base on a local baseball team and she never lost interest in the sport. For her 80th birthday, her family had a big tailgate party for her at Miller Park. Geneva is survived by her sons, James (Bonnie), David (Val), Richard (Katherine), Roger (Michelle), and daughter, LaDonna Nieland; 11 grandchildren, Julie (Mark) Legawiec, Aaron Larson, Jenny (Andres) Morales, Kerry (Cathy) Larson, Shannon (Dale) Struckmeyer, Tyrone (Laura) Larson, Amanda (David) Geller, Emily (Erik) Takkunen, Ross Larson, Jessica Larson, and Laura Nieland; 16 great-grandchildren, Luke, Kaitlin, Joshua, Nathaniel, Allison, Brynn, Natal, Anabel, Kaylee, Cassidy, Levi, McKinley, Alexander, Jake, Max, and Harper; brother, Willard Ryan; sister, Jo Marie Koenig; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard, in 1998; brothers, Lawrence and Delbert; and sister, Rosemary Kearney. Funeral services for Geneva will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at noon on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Rd., Madison, WI 53717. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Four Winds Lodge for the outstanding love and care shown to their mother and grandmother. On-line condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515 www.gundersonfh.com