Larson, Barbara J.

Barbara J. Larson, age 90 of Dodgeville, passed away peacefully at the Upland Hills Hospital in the early morning hours of October 22, 2024. She had spent her final days visiting with family, telling stories, keeping her nurses on their toes, and watching her beloved Green Bay Packers win a game one more time.

She was born on June 29th, 1934, to Robert and Golda (Longseth) Larsen in Dodgeville, WI and grew up in Wyoming Valley with her six siblings. She was the valedictorian of her 1952 graduating class at Spring Green High School. After high school she attended the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, Wisconsin graduating in 1955. Barb also attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts Nursing Degree. She joined the United States Air Force and served as a flight nurse, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She owned and operated the Pleasant Ridge Store for 30-plus years.

Barb enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, doing crosswords, and word searches. But her first love was always reading. She always had a stack of books waiting to be read. She enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers, and the Badgers. Barb tinkered at being a dairy farmer as she loved dairy cows. She owned a handful of Holsteins over the years and absolutely loved talking about cattle. She loved her family, friends, and neighbors—many who became accustomed to her dry sense of humor. She also loved her Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. There was always a good time had by all when gathered at the Pleasant Ridge Store. She was full of stories of her time in the service and abroad, scary stories for the kids around the campfire, and stories of her younger years growing up on the farm.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Gloria (Fred) Andrews, Joyce (Robert "Mac") McReynolds, Evan (Donna) Larsen, James (Loretta) Larsen, Grace Larsen (John Crook), and Robert (Joy) Larsen. She was the last of the "Lucky 7" Larsen children. She was also preceded in death by her nieces Linda Lewis and Nancy Larsen, great-nephew Josh Larsen, and great-nieces Jessica and Jennifer Lease, Nancy Lewis, and Michelle Larsen. 

She is survived by her sister-in-law Joyce Larsen of Iowa, as well as many nieces and nephews, and many great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends. Barb was like a mother to some, and others called her "Grandma Barb." There will be a little less laughter in the world now and Aunt Barb will be profoundly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at the Dodgeville United Methodist Church, 327 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI, on Monday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m., with military honors to follow at the church. Friends may arrive at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. to find seating for the service. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfunerahomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Barbara J. Larson at www.stjude.org

Barb recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a gathering of family, friends, and neighbors both old and new. She had a wonderful time and was so thankful for those that had come to wish her a "Happy Birthday." Thank you all. The family would also like to thank the staff at Upland Hills for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville    

608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com