Lois A. Larsen

Lois A. Larsen, 81, Grand Forks, ND, died Saturday, October 17, 2015 in the Stadter Center of Grand Forks of complications from Alzheimer's Disease. Lois Ann Strock was born March 1, 1934 near Felton, MN, the daughter of Henry and Viola (Smith) Strock. She was raised on the family farm south of Borup, MN and graduated from Felton High School. She attended Moorhead Teachers College and earned a degree in elementary education after which she taught school in Dilworth, MN. Lois married Kenneth Larsen on July 9, 1955 in an outdoor ceremony at Henry and Viola's farm. She spent several years at home raising their four children. She later attended the University of North Dakota where she earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood development and a master's degree in learning disabilities. Lois taught at River Heights Elementary in East Grand Forks, MN for 22 years before retiring in 1997. Lois was a talented artist in many mediums including painting, wood carving, sculpting and rosemaling. She and Ken traveled the world extensively, visiting Scandinavia, mainland Europe, the Orient, Morocco, Australia and New Zealand. Working side by side they cleared the land and built a beautiful lake home on Big Elbow Lake, MN, which they enjoyed for 41 years. They also spent 18 winters in Sarasota, FL. Ken and Lois celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family this past July. Survivors include her husband, Ken, Grand Forks; sons, Chris (Michelle) Larsen, Grand Forks, Daniel Larsen, Adams, TN, and Scott (Luan) Larsen, Fertile, MN; daughter, Melanie Larsen, Grand Forks; seven grandchildren; brother, Bill Strock, WA and Delores Sundet, Fargo, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Roberta Krim and Patricia Viker, and daughter-in-law, Valerie Oyen-Larsen. A gathering of family and friends for brunch and a celebration of Lois' life will take place Tuesday, October 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks, ND. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.