Alice Larkin

Alice Larkin died peacefully at home the evening of July 30, 2011, after a long life well lived. She was 98. She began life in Fargo on November 15, 1912, the daughter of Per and Amalia Husfloen and grew up at the family farm across the river from the Osterdahlen Lutheran Church in Cass County and later in Argusville. Throughout her youth Alice worked hard, hard enough to earn money to pay her room and board so that she could realize her dream of attending Oak Grove High School, from which she graduated in 1931. But she also found a talent for playing the organ, a lifelong love. Her organ still stands in her living room. She took a job as a waitress in a cafe at the Union Stockyards in West Fargo. There she met Christian Bjornson. They were married May 25, 1941. Alice and Chris moved to Columbus, OH, where he studied to become a veterinarian. Alice returned to Fargo for the birth of their daughter, Meredith. Chris got his D.V.M. in 1945 and began his career which took them to Fargo, Mandan and Nebraska. They were living in Fargo when Chris died in 1964. By then Alice had embarked on her own career as a realtor for Oral Holm. After the death of her husband Alice wanted to be closer to their daughter so she moved to California. She found another career as a dental office manager and worked until she retired. She met Patrick Larkin in Oakland and they were married February 3, 1979. Pat died in 1986. Alice returned to Fargo in 1995 and lived here until her death. Survivors include her daughter, Meredith Golde of Fargo; granddaughter Allison Golde (Justin), and great-granddaughter, Emma Amalia, of Burlingame, CA; numerous extended family members as well as step-sons Michael, Larry and Colter Larkin. The family thanks the nurses, doctors and Hospice staff who lovingly cared for Alice. Everyone loved Alice. She was a remarkable, beautiful woman. A memorial service will be held, following cremation, at First Lutheran Church in Fargo at 1 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2011. Interment will be at Osterdahlen Cemetary, Argusville.