Marlene Larson

Marlene Larson, 81, Larimore, ND, died peacefully surrounded by family on Feb 22, 2021, at Northwood Deaconess Health Center, Northwood, ND.

Marlene Beverly Olsen was born on April 2, 1939, the daughter of Arndt and Lois (Hoverson) Olsen in Fordville, ND. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Dahlen Lutheran Church, Dahlen, ND. Marlene grew up and attended school in Dahlen and studied Elementary Education at both Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and Mayville State University, Mayville, ND.

Marlene taught elementary school in Mountain, ND, in 1958-59 and Niagara, ND, in 1959-60. Many of the children she taught remained lifelong friends.

Marlene was united in marriage with Arthur Larson at Dahlen Lutheran Church on June 12, 1960, and the couple moved to the family farm in Larimore, ND. They became proud parents of 4 children, Randy, Scott, Mike, and Sandra. Marlene and Art remained at the farm until their move to Larimore in 2005. Marlene was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Larimore, a Luther League advisor, and a leader of the 4-H Valley Builders and Farmers Union. She and Art hosted several young people through exchange programs- Eiichi, Tamo, Naoto, Mohammed, and Shazadia. She was employed by Larimore Schools as a cook, Edna Ralston Library, the Stagecoach Inn, and the Larimore Legion. In 1980, she purchased Larson’s Drive Inn in Larimore, ND, where she touched so many people’s lives. At an event in 2006, Marlene was thanked for her unselfish and dedicated service to the Larimore area community. In 2020, Larson’s Drive Inn celebrated its 40th year, her last as owner. She also catered many events, made thousands of homemade donuts and was deemed “Mrs. Donut” by her customers. Marlene surrounded everyone she touched with her kind smile, generous spirit, understanding, and unconditional love. Her motto was “Love Always.”

Marlene is survived by her children: Randy (Karen) Larson of Larimore, ND; Scott Larson of Grand Forks, ND; Mike (Karen) Larson of Gilbert, AZ; and Sandra (Jay) Larson of Larimore, ND; grandchildren Sara and Ryan Larson, Katelyn Larson, Tracey Trow, Jeff (Korey) Wells, Grayson Moseley, Cynthia Basham, and Carolyn Cook; great-grandchildren Madeline and Charlotte Wells, Abigail Basham, Christopher and Lucy Cook, and her granddog,  Henry. She is also survived by her “kids,” Tom Haahr, Kendra Turner, Michelle Jonas, and Ray Carrasco, and many Drive Inn employees, especially the Dream Team, her last crew before retirement.

Public visitation will be at Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore, ND on Saturday, February 27, from 1:00-2:30pm with a private family service to follow.  Mask are required.

Memorials can be sent to Bethel Lutheran Church, Larimore Ambulance, Bellevue Cemetery or the Paul Daniel Hougen Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund.