Ilene Larson

Ilene Larson, 71, of Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at Triumph Hospital, Fargo, surrounded by loved ones. Ilene Mable Pederson was born to Elmer and Mable (Knutson) Pederson in Starbuck, Minnesota, August 4, 1937. She graduated from Starbuck High School in 1955 and then attended Moorhead State University. She married Harold Larson on August 25, 1956, in Starbuck. They made their home in Fargo, where she was a stay at home Mom to their four children. They later divorced and in 1987, Ilene began her employment at Sears until 1990, when she began working at Qwest as a Directory Assistance Operator. She retired from Qwest in 2002. Ilene loved retirement and was kept busy following the activities of her grandchildren. She also worked part time at Bright Horizons Childcare Center where she was everyone’s “Grandma Ilene.” She will be greatly missed. Ilene is survived by her daughters, Kim (Marty) Haley; Kari (David) Teschendorf; Wendy (Richard) Hell, all of Fargo, ND; her son, Greg Larson, San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Erin and Ryan Haley; Tana, Mara and Max Teschendorf; Brody and Josie Hell, all of Fargo, ND; brothers, Vernon Pederson, Starbuck, MN; Earl (Karen) Pederson, St. Cloud, MN; Dean (Pat) Pederson, Starbuck, MN; and sister-in-law, Lee Pederson, New London, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families that she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Eleanore and Jacob Gorder; brother, Curt Pederson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Pederson; and niece, Randi Tait. Ilene’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff from Innovis and Triumph Hospitals who gave her superb care and were so kind to her during her six months of hospitalization. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The family invites you to share your memories of Ilene at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ilenelarson In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred and the family will distribute them to Ilene’s favorite charities. Funeral Service: Monday, July 13, 2009, at 2:00 PM, at Hope Lutheran Church – North Campus, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Sunday, July 12, 2009, from 5-7 PM, at Hope Lutheran Church – North Campus and one hour prior to the funeral service. Prayer Service: Sunday, July 12, 2009, at 7:00 PM, at the church. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.