Eileen Larson, 85, Owatonna
Eileen Larson went to be with Jesus, while at the home of her son Al and daughter-in-law Wendy. They lovingly welcomed Eileen to their home and helped take care of her the past few months. Eileen was surrounded by family and friends, and now she is whole and dancing with Jesus!
Eileen was born in Madison, Minn., to Joseph and Myrtle (Wait) Eidem. She was the oldest of five children. Eileen and her siblings grew up on the Minnesota/South Dakota border.
Eileen graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton, S.D., in 1957. After graduation, she moved to Minnesota to pursue a degree in nursing.
In 1958, she decided to get married and become a homemaker and to this union three children were born, Richard, Kimberly and Mark. She was later divorced and moved to California with her children. She continued her education at Los Angeles Valley College, studying business management. Eileen and her children later moved back to Minnesota, after the passing of her mother in 1972.
While in Minnesota, Eileen met her soul mate. Eileen was united in marriage to Dean A. Larson on March 3, 1973. One child was born to this union, Alan, who joined the family, along with Dean's two children, James and Patti, from a previous marriage. Dean preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 2008.
Eileen dedicated her life to her family, church, and community. Eileen loved being involved with various companies and had quite a bit of success through the years with Vivian Woodward Cosmetics and Christmas Around the World. Most recently, she worked for CVS Homes for individuals with disabilities, a role that gave her a profound sense of purpose. Through her jobs she met many lifelong friends, whom she considered family. Eileen loved traveling and had the opportunity to visit several different countries, of which her favorite was Israel.
Eileen was a pillar of strength and encouragement to those around her. She had an immensely positive attitude, facing life's challenges with grace, resilience and an unshakable faith in God. She was deeply dedicated to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always providing love and guidance. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she was actively involved in Christian Family Church.
Throughout her life, Eileen embodied compassion, perseverance, and joy. She was a source of support and optimism to all who knew her. Whether through her involvement in church, her commitment to caring for others, or the simple joys of time spent with family, she left a legacy of love, faith, and encouragement.
Eileen is survived by her brother Joe (Lynn) Eidem, sister Sharon (Curt) Hamre and brother Michael (Bonnie) Eidem; her children: Richard (Sandra) Mielke, Kimberly Schema, Mark (Julie) Mielke, Alan (Wendy) Larson, James (DeAnn) Larson and Patti (Jack) Weiland; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and so many more family and friends that Eileen loved very much.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean, her sister and brother-in-law Lila (George) Sprague, her son-in-law Roger A. Schema and her great-grandson Alex J. Karsten.
A Celebration of Life, led by Pastors Tim and Cherrie Peterson, will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Christian Family Church, 2300 Heritage Place, Owatonna. Friends may greet the family from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service.