Elizabeth Anne Dahlsten Larson (1937-2020)
Cannon Valley Friends Meeting, Northfield, MN.

Elizabeth Anne Dahlsten Larson was a beloved wife, mother, community member, and someone who delighted those who met her.

Liz was born on September 1, 1937, on a farm near Lindsborg, Kansas, in a Swedish American community on the edge of the Great Plains. She was part of the fourth generation to live at this farm homesteaded by her great-grandparents. While growing up she was surrounded by love, good books, good humor, intelligent conversation, music and arts. She graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg Kansas with an English major and taught high school English before returning to school to pursue a certificate in Library Science. She married high school and college classmate Loren Larson before moving to Northfield where Loren taught math at St. Olaf College. Liz joined the St. Olaf library staff as Acquisitions Librarian. Her colleagues remember her for her careful and loving mentoring and how she delighted in puzzles. She loved her coworkers and friends, like-minded colleagues, especially the fun-loving “puzzies” who did jigsaw puzzles during their coffee breaks. With Loren, she creatively raised their daughter Anne Larson and son Eric Larson and celebrated their spouses Bruce Anderson and Susan Lewis and her grandchildren Maia Larson, Jakob Anderson, Abigail Lewis and Bjorn Larson. She and her family coped with four years of worsening Vascular Dementia. She died in her sleep on October 11, 2020 at Three Links Cottages in Northfield.  

Liz, as she was known in Meeting, was the first to make her way after worship to welcome visitors.  She took interest in them and made them feel welcomed and valued.  Liz and Loren were known to offer transportation to St Olaf students and brought them into their home.  She was valued for her informed opinions, insights and artistic outlook. She had strong opinions and shared them forthrightly. In Meeting, Liz often shared insights she had gained from the beautiful world around her, the animals she observed and whose gentle souls she appreciated, and the lovely and colorful flowers blooming in their home in all seasons. Among the many ways Liz served Cannon Valley Friends Meeting was as the librarian and on various other committees.  Liz and Loren, her husband of sixty years were strong supporters of building the Meetinghouse and contributed much to this effort.

 Liz’s family cared for her with devotion.  Cannon Valley Friends will miss her bright, gentle spirit and colorful ways.