Margaret “Maggie” Thoreen Larson, formerly of Morris, passed away on July 3rd at the age of 76. Maggie was born June 13, 1949, to Paul and Barbara (Krueger) Larson. She grew up on the family farm in Framnas Township, rural Morris. Maggie was an active member of 4-H where she discovered her love of crafting, sewing, gardening, baking and cooking. Maggie was best known for her Scandinavian Christmas treats which she shared by the dozens. Her beautiful rosettes, which were fried in a tiny kettle on her stove, were the most desired treat by friends and family. She was never afraid to serve something from the kitchen labeled “exotic” at least as defined by rural Minnesota standards. Maggie crafted greeting cards, tried her hand at crocheting and way back in the day made her own clothes. More recently she sewed cheery cottage curtains for every window and every season. Maggie played clarinet with the MHS band, marching alongside many classmates whose friendships she enjoyed throughout her life. One of her greatest joys was planning Class of ‘67 reunions to celebrate with dear classmates. Maggie’s love for watching movies likely grew out of working at the Morris Theatre as a teenager. Decades later she still loved going to Sunday matinees at the same theatre where she once sold tickets and popped corn for moviegoers. After attending Alexandria Technical School Maggie worked briefly in banking in Detroit, MI but her heart soon called her back to the place she loved most, Morris.
Maggie’s many designing talents were put to use as she crafted charming and welcoming homes for herself and her son Paul. Maggie could see potential in any house and made it a home. She proved herself a dozen times during her years in Morris where each house became a Maggie Masterpiece. Maggie’s career at Rodney Briggs Library on the UMM campus began in the 80’s. She worked there for many years and made many good friends along the way, collectively known as “the library ladies.” Maggie later accepted the title of UMM Special Events Coordinator, a role she loved and excelled at. Her final special event was her own retirement party held at UMM’s LaFave House where she worked until her retirement in 2011.
In retirement, Maggie chaired the UMM Retirees Association, read to residents at West Wind Village and volunteered at the Stevens County Museum. She enjoyed antiquing road trips, shopping excursions and coffee with friends. While travel was never a passion, Maggie traveled to Hawaii with Paul and his wife, Robin in 2016. She enjoyed putting her feet in the warm Pacific waters, whale watching and falling asleep to the sound of the crashing ocean waves.
Maggie moved to Seattle in 2022 shortly after her dementia diagnosis. She enjoyed her first year in Seattle exploring her new surroundings, visiting local parks, coffee shops, and outings to Paul and Robin’s home. She was cared for lovingly every day and passed away with Paul and Robin by her side.
Maggie is survived by her son Paul and daughter-in-law Robin (Taylor) Larson; brother, Dan Larson; nephews: Robert Larson, Derek Larson; nieces: Sonja Narvaiz, Susan Bendixen, and countless others who cherished her energy, talents, kindness and love. Maggie is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Robert Larson, and many dear aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13th from 2-5pm at the LaFave House in Morris.
We ask that you remember Maggie with a gift to the Stevens County Museum or to your local animal shelter.
