Lila Anita Larson

LILA A. (DeMARS) LARSON In the early hours of the evening on March 4, 2015, the angels came and called for Lila. They found her at home, resting, tired from the ravages of cancer on her body. Lila was born to Ruth and Glenn DeMars in Oshkosh, WI on August 31, 1921. During her early years, times were hard and her family traveled the country looking for work. They finally landed in Racine, WI were she spent most of her childhood and young adult life. Lila was the oldest of five children. Her parents and her two younger brothers, Glenn (Lorraine-deceased) and Allan (Mildred), preceded her in death. She also has two sisters Eunice Davis (Don-deceased) of Ankeny, IA and Carol Schuster (Albert-deceased) of Racine, WI. Lila wore many hats during her working life-from short order cook, to assembling bomb fuses during WWII, to factory work, to what she enjoyed most-waitressing. At one of the diners she worked in she met and fell in love with the love and light of her life, Leland Larson. They married on June 5, 1948. Together with her young daughter, Kay, from a previous marriage, they formed a new family together. The city girl then made a huge life change, moving to Leland’s family home in rural Door County where there was no indoor plumbing, no telephone, a wood burning stove to cook on, and a whole new extended family. Another daughter, Sandra, was born to complete the family. She lost her dear husband, Leland, 20 years ago after nearly 47 years of marriage. After his death, she moved to Waunakee, WI to be closer to her daughter, Sandra. She also lost her daughter, Kay (John Lehmann), too soon, 31 years ago. But she still has many friends and family members who love her dearly. Besides her sisters, she is survived by her daughter Sandra Larson and son-in-law Phil Simon of Madison, WI, and son-in-law John Lehmann of Apache Junction, AZ. She has grandchildren Scott Hendrickson of Lynnwood, WA, Alexis Larson-Simon and her daughter Aurora of Middleton, WI, and Matt Simon (Dr. Melissa) of Decorah, IA and their children Naomi, Ana, Oskar, and Petra. She also has many wonderful nieces and nephews, some lucky enough to grow up in Door County and others who looked forward to visiting the farm in the summer. One niece, Lisa, wrote: I’ll always remember Lila An aunt on my mother’s side When we used to go and visit It seemed like an endless ride They lived up north on a farm Their driveway was ten miles long But now that I’m older and smarter At least nine and a half are gone. I used to sleep on the upper floor Sandy’s room was on the lower My uncle Lee let me cut his grass With his great big riding mower She cut my hair and pierced my ears Reva and Sandy drew with chalk And after us kids would go to bed She and Mom could sit and talk She always had a smile for me I can’t remember her blue But when I had to say good-bye That was hard for me to do I’m grown up and married now Changes in life are many But that’s not always true, I know ‘Cause Lila’s not changed any Lila was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Jacksonport, WI. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in Door County at a later date. Inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Jacksonport, WI. The family wishes to give special thanks to the pastors of Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison, WI for their care and support during her illness. There also will always be a special place in our hearts for her Hospice nurses and social workers who were always there for her and us. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761