Mary Elizabeth Larsen

Mary Elizabeth (Wilcox) Larsen November 5, 1925 - June 11, 2020 Mary Larsen, age 94, a resident of The Cottages at Heritage Living Center, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2020. A lifelong native of Park Rapids, she worked at Minnesota Power for thirty-two years. After retiring, she enjoyed gardening and outdoor activities at her Fishhook Lake home and long walks with her dogs. Growing up during the Great Depression taught her the twin values of hard work and frugality, although she gave generously to her church and various charities throughout her life. She loved lake living and the beautiful woods and river behind her home. Her environmental interests led her to serve for several years as secretary for the Coalition of Lake Associations focused on protecting Hubbard County lakes and rivers. Widowed in her early thirties, she felt fortunate to land a job at Minnesota Power during the 1950s, a tie when society considered a woman's place to be in the home. With three small boys, that was a luxury she could not afford. Minnesota Power provided a happy work home for her while providing the full insurance and other benefits needed for her family's security. Although never remarried, Mary lived a full, healthy life. Sadly, five years after her husband's death, tragedy struck again, this time taking her two oldest sons. Despite this sorrow, sustained by her faith in God, she moved forward in life while caring for her youngest son. During the last several years of her life, as she struggled with Alzheimer's, she looked forward to meeting her Maker. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Anna (Diebel) Wilcox; husband, Forrest Victor Larsen; sons: Greggory and Henry; and her siblings: Grant, Russell, and LaDonna (Ogden). She is survived by her son, Eric Browning-Larsen (Bellevue, Washington); and many nieces, nephews, and their family members. Special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at Heritage Living Center, CHI St. Joseph's Hospice, and the friends who showed great acts of kindness, especially during her last several years.