Joan Marilyn Larson, age 78, of New Prague, formerly of Bloomington, peacefully left this world on Monday, November 28, 2022 at her home. Joan was born on December 31, 1943 in Zumbrota, MN to Clara (Perry) and Philip Weeks. Joan was raised in Zumbrota, graduating from Zumbrota High School in 1961. She moved to Minneapolis to attend nursing school. Fate then intervened when she met Ronald J. Larson at Porky's in south Minneapolis; her nursing career took a permanent back seat as it was love at first sight for them and they married on May 12, 1962 in Zumbrota.
Joan was a homemaker for many years, raising her family. Once all her children were grown and out of the home, she took a job at Lifetouch National School Studios, where she worked for many years prior to her retirement. Her friends at Lifetouch became like family with many social activities and events. She loved the "needle arts" in her spare time: quilting, knitting, crocheting. She was an avid Minnesota sports fan, especially the Wild. Joan was a "grandma extraordinaire" as they were the apples of her eye. She loved spending time at the couple's lake home in Clitheral, MN and attending all the summer events and "doings" as she would affectionately put it – from Potato Days to Watermelon Day, finding their way every weekend to the small town celebrations in the area such as Centennial Lakes and Battle Lake. Her readiness for fun, the smile that lit up her face, and the love that she generously spread around will be missed by all who knew her.
Joan is survived by her loving husband of 59 ½ years and best friend, Ronald Joseph; daughters, Jamie Larson (Dennis) of Annandale, Tammie Silverstone (Chris) of Chaska, DiAnna Larson (Randy) of Prior Lake; son, Jason (Kelly) Larson of Jordan; grandchildren, Jesse Martini, Kevin Larson, Jason (Naomi) Larson, Samantha Opalinski, Jenna and Dalton Andrews, Dylan Larson, Madeleine and Michaela Larson; great-grandchildren, Leah, Jordan, and Mac; brother Perry (Diane) Weeks of Zumbrota; many family friends and former colleagues.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Reverend Diane Goulson officiating. Visitation will take place from 10-11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will occur at Zumbrota Cemetery that afternoon.
