Obituary of Margene Ellen Larson

    “Let’s name her Margaret”, her Mother said… “Let’s name her Jean”, her Dad said…

    Hence, Margene Ellen Sorensen came into the world on May 31, 1944, at the end of World War II; the daughter of George and Florence (Siedsma) Sorensen. Known affectionately as “Jean” or “Jeannie”, she grew up in Archer, Iowa, receiving her education in Sanborn, Iowa where she graduated from Sanborn High School.

    On June 22, 1963, Jean was united in marriage to John M. Larson, Jr. Four children were born to this union. Eventually, the family made their home in Rockford, Illinois.   

    Throughout her life, Jean had worked at the Plankton South Dakota Reform School, Rockford Illinois Board of Education, Beef Specialists of Iowa in Hartley, Iowa and Walmart in Spencer, Iowa. Of all these, her favorite position was her “retirement job” at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Iowa where she was employed as a housekeeper and caregiver for many cherished residents. Even after clocking out at the end of her regular shift, you could usually find her singing to the residents in the Alzheimer’s Unit.

    In the early morning hours of Sunday, February 16, 2025, Jean passed from this life only to be greeted in Heaven by her parents (both killed in a car accident in 1963); her two brothers: Jens and Ernest Sorensen; her 21 month-old daughter, Kristine Ellen; and her beloved Aunt, Ellen Dagel of Sanborn, Iowa.

    Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Susan Ortiz ( Erwin “Alex”) of Mountain Lake, Minnesota and their sons: Joseph and Kelvin, Michael Larson (Christina) of Hartley, Iowa and their children: Anthony, Meghan, Brenden and Travis, and Janie Baird (fiancé, James Lenz) of Milford, Iowa and her sons: Hunter and Foster; Jean’s two great-granddaughters: Quinn and Adelaide “Jean” who was named in her honor. Also held dear to her heart were her nieces: Molly and Melissa; a nephew, Jens “Chris” Sorensen; and her very special friend, LeRoy Steffens of Hartley, Iowa; other relatives and a host of friends.

    Jean Larson was an amazing mother, outstanding grandmother, phenomenal great-grandmother, extraordinary friend and a master in the kitchen (especially when it came to sugar cookies, banana cake and lefse). She was a fantastic letter-writer, slot machine guru, Elvis Presley fanatic and a true lover of life. She absolutely adored a beautiful sunrise, and we will forever see her bright smile in each and every one.

~ Services will be held at a later date ~