Watch Donna's Funeral Service

Donna Larson, age 96, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at her home surrounded by family.

Donna J. Stewart was born January 12, 1925, in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Earl and Eleanor (Sorenson) Stewart.  She grew up near Mankato, MN, where she graduated from high school.  Following her schooling, Donna entered the workforce.  While working in Albert Lea, MN, Donna met Richard Larson, a handsome young pilot in the Navy Air Corp training in Albert Lea.  She became a June bride when the couple was united in marriage on June 30, 1945, in Reno, NV.  After Richard's honorable discharge in September of 1945, they moved east of Bejou, MN, and made their home on the Larson family farm.  They continued to farm and raise their family.  Donna stayed at home and tended to the needs of their growing family.  With the children grown and Robert, the youngest, in high school, she began a new adventure and started working at the flower shop in Fosston, MN, followed by the one in Mahnomen for several years before retiring.  Richard and Donna lived on the farm together until his death in November of 2003.  Donna continued to live in their home until this past spring when she moved to her apartment in Thief River Falls, MN, after nearly 76 years on the farm.

Donna had many wonderful qualities that made so many people love her.  She was generous, caring, adventurous, and such a social butterfly.  She truly loved having company and visiting with anyone and everyone if given the chance.  Donna was also a great seamstress, sewing numerous dresses and helping with last minute alterations for many 4-H project entries.  In general, she enjoyed sewing, embroidery and quilting.  Donna made countless quilts not only for all her family but for nursing homes and missions through the church.  Donna was active with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, Red Hat Ladies and Heier Homemaker's Club.  She also enjoyed feeding the birds, cooking, gardening, tending to her flowers and never missed a Mahnomen Football game, even if it meant just listening on the radio.  Above all, Donna loved her family and treasured all the times she was able to spend with them, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandson.  She will be greatly missed by many but will live on in their hearts forever.

Donna is survived by three sons: Paul (Linda) of Independence, MO, Larry (Vicki) of Mogadore, OH and Robert (Lisa) of Mahnomen; four daughters: Barbara Bruno, Sandra (Curtis) Jacobson, Linda Larson, and Mary (James) Jacobson all of Thief River Falls, MN; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; sisters-in-law, Gloria Ostgard of Fosston, MN, and Valoris Larson of Mahnomen; and nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, Richard, she was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Eleanor Stewart; stepmother, Polly Stewart; grandchildren: Leah Jacobson, Allen Jacobson and Adam Jacobson; brother, E. Richard "Dick" Stewart; and son-in-law, Leland Larson.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bejou, MN.  Visitation will take place on Friday, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continue one hour prior to the funeral all at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 400 Roosevelt Ave, Bejou, MN, 56516.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.