Shirley Larson

Shirley J. Larson, age 84, of Atwater, passed away Monday morning, March 15, at Sunnyview Assisted Living in Atwater.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 26, at the Harrison Community Presbyterian Church.  Interment will be at Union Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, at the Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home  and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Atwater Area Help for Seniors or Harrison Presbyterian Church are preferred.  Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Shirley Jane Larson was born on June 18, 1936, at home on Diamond Lake, the daughter of Carl and Marvel (Tait) Nelson.  She grew up in the Atwater community, was baptized and confirmed at Harrison Presbyterian Church and graduated from Atwater High School in 1954.  She began working as a bookkeeper at Earl B. Olson farms in Litchfield and then the Ripple Pontiac Dealership in Willmar.  On May 25, 1957, Shirley was united in marriage to Bruce William Larson.  They made their home in Atwater and Shirley worked as a homemaker.  She later went back to work part time as a bookkeeper at the bowling alley and later worked full time in 1985 when Bruce and Shirley purchased the Atwater Hardware Store.  She was a life member of Harrison Community Presbyterian Church and served as the church treasurer for many years back in the 70’s and 80’s.  She was also a member of a local book club in Atwater.  Shirley enjoyed bowling and attending all of her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's activities.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce of Atwater; one daughter, Paula (and Glen) Barker of Atwater; three grandchildren, Brandon (and Daniell), Lindsey and Tyler Barker; and three great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Braden and Connor Barker.  Also surviving are two brothers, Robert (and Virginia) Nelson of Elk River and Larry (and Barb) Nelson of Vadnais Heights; and two sisters, Marlys (and Dave) Olson of Kalamazoo, MI and Janice (and Norman) Abbott of Montesano, WA, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Norma and three brothers, Richard, Gary and Kim.