Evangeline "Vany" Larson

A Funeral Service for Evangeline "Vany" Larson will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 5-7PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN with a devotional service at 6:30PM. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Spruce Cemetery in Roseau, MN.

Vany passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at LifeCare Roseau Manor at the age of 86.

Evangeline “Vany” Mae Lunde was born on March 24, 1930 in Gonvick, MN to parents Clarence and Belma (Abrahamson) Lunde. She graduated from high school in Gonvick, MN in 1949, and on December 27, 1952 she married Herbert Larson. Over time, the two expanded their union with the addition of seven children. As her children got older, Vany worked outside the house. Most notably, she worked for several years at Gambles store where she met her dear friend Lois with whom she remained good friends. Vany loved family, baking, gardening, and camping, especially with Herb. She was an avid quilter and active member of Messiah Lutheran’s quilting circle. Vany’s large family is similar to her quilting; she put individual pieces together, stitched them with love and faith, and created a family.

Vany truly lived a Christian life of service. Her faith was practiced each day in the way she cared for and loved those around her. The oldest of five children, she cared for her siblings, family, and neighbors. She worked hard and took on many chores. She even worked for aunts and neighbors. She may not have gotten paid for her chores, but she took pride in helping a neighbor. When she left home and married Herb, she cared for her own family on their small farm in Gully, MN. By all accounts Vany tended a fantastic garden. In the fall, the kids would come home to find the table full of apple or pumpkin pies. She put her love into everything she baked, and, as a result, her baking was exceptional. She brought bars, cookies, donuts, and more to her weekly Bible study. Her grandchildren knew there would always be something sweet at grandma’s house. Not only did Vany love to bake, but she also loved music and dancing. She grew up in a musical house and learned to play guitar. She could be found on the dancefloor at any wedding dance. Her dancing was an embodiment of her joyful spirit and carefree nature. Vany loved to laugh, and it was easy to put a smile on her face. She had a kind word and a smile for each person she met whether they were family, neighbor, or stranger.

Vany’s most ardent calling as caretaker came as she cared for Herb while he battled cancer. She drove him to Thief River Falls so that they could take the hospital van to Fargo for treatments. She faithfully and diligently cared for him in their home as he reached his final days. Her strong faith guided her through the death of her husband. Though he never strayed far from her thoughts or her stories, she carried on after his death remaining a strong beacon of love and support for her children. Vany lived a simple, humble life, but, although she would disagree, she was anything but ordinary. Her kindness was incomparable. As she struggled with ALS and moved into assisted living, she still worried about making you something to eat when you came to visit. She never held a grudge and shared everything she had. Her life and legacy is an example by which all should follow.

Vany is preceded in death by her grandparents and parents, husband Herb, sister Mavis, and brothers Harlen and Stan. She is survived by her sister: Beverly (Francis) DeLage; children: Roselynn (Al) Morkrid, Vicki (Richard) Krogstad, Steve (Brenda) Larson, LeAnn (Randy) Anderson, Bryan (Patty Sabol) Larson, Clay Larson, and Darin (Joy) Larson; Grandchildren: Sarah (Ross) Ryan, Becky (Brandon) Ballard, Rachel (John) Cox, and Samuel (Paige Panek) Harger,  Erin Thompson, Amy (Nate) Andersen, and Tiffany (Nate) Olsen, Brandon (Ashley) Larson, Stephanie (Andy) Zavoral, Samantha (Greg) Thykeson, Brock (Betsy) Larson, and Shanele Larson, Miranda (Jeremy) Rinde, and Dustin (Cassy) Anderson, Alison Larson, Alex Larson, and Steven Larson, Matt Larson, Chad Larson, and Nick Larson; Great Grandchildren: Maren and Sofie Ryan, Brittyn, Sydney, Eli Reierson, and Emmit Ballard, and Aisling and Maeve Cox, Isaac, Ava and Amelia Thompson, Maggie, Grant, and Leo Andersen, Kinley, Anders, and Hayes Larson, Nolan and Logan Zavoral, and Rylan and Reagan Thykeson, Jordyn Matich, Jaden Haugen, Mallory Elsner, BreAnna, Hayden, Landon and Addy Rinde, and Kodi Anderson, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. God has called Vany to her final resting place: “I will call your name, embracing all your pain, stand up, now walk, and live!”

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