Shirley Larson, 91, of Cherokee passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Cherokee Regional Medical Center due to injuries received from a fall at her home.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cherokee. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.
Shirley C. Larson, daughter of Fred and Cecelia (Mackowski) Grauer was born in Cleghorn, on March 7, 1934. She and her twin brother, Sherald, were the fourth and fifth children of nine siblings.
The family moved to Cherokee settling on Cherry Street where they were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. As a child, her family of 11 would walk together weekly to attend church services. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church on May 16, 1948. Shirley remained an active member of the church her entire life. She particularly enjoyed going to Ladies Circle, going for coffee and visiting with family and friends.
After graduating from Cherokee Wilson High School in 1952, she worked as a telephone operator. She was married to LeRoy Larson of Alta in 1954. Together they were married for 68 years and raised three daughters: Pamela, Christie and Paula.
Shirley worked for Sioux Valley Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk, and eventually completed classes for an LPN degree in 1970. She retired from nursing in 1994 to care for her husband with failing eyesight. With her dedicated assistance, LeRoy was able to enjoy various activities throughout his life.
During her retirement years, Shirley enjoyed her iPad, reading, checking on her siblings and attending community and church events with her special sister Lila Saxby. Thank you aunt Lila for your unconditional care, love and support you showed our mother over the years. You were very special to her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy; her father Fred; her mother Cecelia; brothers: Sherald, Dale and Robert; sisters, Evelyn Stoner and Darlene Radke.
Shirley is survived by daughters: Pamela (Mark) Schnoes of Paullina; Christie (Ed) Franklin of Johnstown, Colo.; and Paula (Kevin) Rueter of Orange City; grandchildren: Michael Schnoes, Amy Schnoes (Jillian), Sara (Travis) Ginger, Matthew (Ashlee) Rueter, Nathan Rueter (Amanda) and Dylan Rueter (Megan); great-grandchildren: Bayli, Conley, Bryn and Lynea; sisters: Lila Saxby of Cherokee; Mary Ann Rasmus and Marjorie Veale, both of San Diego, Calif.; along with brother in-law Merle Larson of Rockford, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.
