Alfhild Larson, age 85, of Gary, Minnesota, died Friday, June 23, 2006, in her home under the care of Hospice and her family.
Alfhild Geneva Aas was born September 5, 1920, in rural Hendrum, MN, the daughter of John and Anna (Ryerson) Aas. She grew up near Hendrum and attended school there. At the age of 17, Alfhild graduated from Hendrum High School, as valedictorian of her class. After graduating from Moorhead Teachers College she taught at country schools in both Shelly, MN and Fertile, MN. In 1942, Alfhild was united in marriage to Arnold Larson on her family farm in Hendrum. The couple made their home in Gary, MN, for a short time before moving to Seattle, WA, in 1944. They returned to the Gary area, in 1945, to continue farming. While raising her family, Alfhild began teaching in Gary. She was also an active member of Sundal Lutheran Church, where she served in the Ladies Aide and the Lois Circle for several years. In 1960, she and Arnold moved into town until 1973, when they returned to the farm. Alfhild retired in the late 1980's, after teaching remedial education in Gary for over 20 years. Following Arnold's death in 2002, Alfhild continued to make her home on the family farm.
Alfhild loved the outdoors, especially ice skating, cross country skiing, and sledding, and she always looked forward to the next spring. During the growing season she lovingly tended and cared for her gardens and flowers. Each year she engaged in the ritual of freezing and canning fruits and vegetables.
Family and friends were always Alfhild's highest priority. She loved to feed people. She loved playing all games and puzzles, but was especially formidable at word games. She had the uncommon pairing of intellect and common sense, and strived for academic excellence. Alfhild also opened her heart and home to many stray and orphaned animals. She dependably fed the birds (and many squirrels). She was a nurturer.
Throughout a lifetime of medical challenges she remained positive and optimistic. She was unbelievably strong and determined. Although some people might refer to her as "stubborn" she preferred (and insisted) to be called "remarkable." Patience was one of her greatest virtues. She enjoyed and made time to visit with everybody, but still got more done in a day than most people could get done in a week. Alfhild always put the needs and wants of others first. In order to figure out what she needed, her loved ones had to learn to play detective. She taught by example. She lived by love. As one family member said, "It's hard to live in the shadow of Saint Alfhild."
She is survived by one daughter, Margaret Cuellar, of Gary, MN; three sons, Keith (Marion), of Littleton, CO, Michael (DeAnn), of Gary, MN, and John (Mary), of Fargo, ND; one sister, Valborg (Gale) Smith, of Hendrum, MN; two brothers, John (Delores), of Hendrum, and Wallace (Betsy), of Greeley, CO; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Alfhild was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother Ralph.

A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at 10:30 AM in Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN. Officiating was Pastor H. William Beyer with Monica Winter providing the music.