Barbara Larson

MADISON - Barbara Louise Larson, age 78, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. She was born on Jan. 15, 1943, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Fred Ehlers and Babette (Cohn) Ehlers. She married Charles Larson on July 23, 1966, in Evanston, Ill. Barb enjoyed many years at home raising her children and was a girl scout leader, a cub scout leader, and involved in parent groups through school. After her children were grown, Barb served as the secretary at Monona United Methodist Church and also worked at NBC 15 and UW Foundation before retiring. Barbara was an active member of Monona United Methodist Church, for over 50 years, where she served on numerous committees, coordinated events, and sang in the church choir. Barb enjoyed spending time with family, camping, playing cards and traveling with the love of her life, Chuck. Barb also enjoyed cooking, baking, thrift shopping, sewing, and quilting. Surprisingly, there are very few quilts in Barb’s home; that is because she primarily made them for treasured gifts. Watching her children and grandchildren in sports and other activities was a highlight throughout Barb’s life. Barb held her friends close and poured her heart into her friendships. Barb has dear friends from high school and college, as well as many new friends she has gained along the way. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Julie Larson; son, Rob (Lori) Larson; brother, James (Mary Michalski) Ehlers; six grandchildren, Nikki (Frankie) Woppert, Sammy Brown, Max (Michael Fisk) Brown, Cassandra Larson, Denzel Bailey, and Dayna Bailey; and four great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Chevy, Franklin and Kenzlee; and bonus daughter, Jenny Brooks. She also is survived by her 90-pound dog, Abby, and her cat, Daisy. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her stepfather, Edward Schultz; her father-in-law, Walter Larson; and her mother-in-law, Helen Larson. A memorial service will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Visitation will held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, and at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family would like to give thanks for Barb’s amazing UW Health medical team and a special thank you to the Agrace HospiceCare team for their invaluable care and support for our family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established for Barb’s favorite charities. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420