Dr. Darlene Marie Christensen Larsen was born October 31, 1925 in Webster City, IA. She grew up in Blairsburg, IA. Darlene continued her education at Iowa State University with a Bachelors degree in Zoology (1945) and a Masters in Counselor Education (1968). At 57, she received her Doctorate in Education Administration at Southern Illinois University. She met her husband of 68 years, Melvin B. Larsen, at ISU. Darlene taught in Hampton NE, Ames IA, and Springfield IL, as well as serving as the Guidance Counselor for Ursuline Academy in Springfield, IL. She contributed to her community through service to many organizations including PEO, AAUW, Iowa Senior Legislature, Ursuline Board of Education and ISU Alumni Board of Directors.
She is survived by Melvin and her six children: Judith, Ron, Jacquelyn, Jennifer, Jenean and Rick, their spouses, 20 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Julie Ann. Darlene will be remembered for her quiet strength, extraordinary intelligence, and passion for teaching. Hers was a beautiful example of a life lived with purpose and compassion. She died peacefully on March 20th while being serenaded by her loving husband and her children.
A gathering of friends and family will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, March 28, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way Ames. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church (6th and Kellogg) of Ames at 10:30 am on March 29, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Iowa State Alumni Association or her Iowa State University Genetics and Cell Biology Scholarship at the Iowa State Foundation.
On line condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
I have fond memories of "Mrs." Larsen as a substitute teacher, while attending Central Junior High School. My condolences to Jennifer and the entire Larsen family. She was a wonderful woman.
Dr. Jennifer Larsen and Family,
I am saddened to learn of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy and Jerry Mathiasen
Dear Mel,Ron,Kate and family
We have some sweet memories of Darlene when she visited Indi with us along with Mel and other members of the family. She will always be remebered as a loving person.
We send our condolences and love to all of you.
Dear Mel and Family:
I have some very wonderful memories of spending time in the Larsen household during our vacations in Iowa. May God be with each and everyone of you at this time and in the future. I send my love to all of you.
Dearest Melvin and Family ~
I am deeply saddened by Darlene's passing. I know you will miss her, but I also know she will remain with you in the loving memories you all have of a lifetime of experiences that will continue to brighten your days.
She was so dear to me, and to Jim. This expression of gratitude for a life well-lived comes from an unknown source, but this was Darlene for us:
"If you find someone who makes you smile, who checks up on you often to see if you're okay, who watches out for you and wants the very best for you, don't let them go. Keep them close and don't take them for granted. People like that are hard to find."
We will keep Darlene close in our hearts. Our love to you all.
Dear Larsen Family:
I am saddened to learn of your loss. I have such fond memories of Darlene, Mrs. Larsen. She was a force and I will remember her always. Much love to you all.
Dear Larsen Family,
I am deeply sorry to learn of your loss. Mrs. Larsen and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
wrote and hope I sent, thinking of all o9f you. love, Jo
Dear Melvin and Family,
May God be with you and your family when you need him most. I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Melvin and family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know Darlene well but I will pray that everything will turn out okay during the grieving process. I have been down that road.
Darlene was, and always will be, a major influence on my life. She was always there whether for an occasional visit or extended interaction filled with valuable advice and perspective. I know she had the same influence on hundreds of others. A life well lived, she made a difference and I'll miss her dearly. My thoughts are with the entire family during this difficult time.
Dear Melvin and Family,
I am sorry about the loss of your wonderful wife and mother. Darlene was a very warm and caring lady - always welcoming with a hug and beautiful smile. You will all miss her forever but you know she'll always be with you. Memories are God's way of keeping her in your hearts.
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, Iowa 50010
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