Lois (Vorwerk) Larson, age 97, passed away on October 21, 2026, in Duluth, Minnesota. She will be remembered for her many talents, her love of nature and animals, and the life she built with her beloved husband, Donald.

Lois was born on March 16, 1929, to William and Hilda Vorwerk of Parshall, North Dakota. She attended a one-room grade school in Mountrail County and graduated from Parshall High School. She continued her education at Minot State Teachers College and went on to teach for eight years in several one-room schools throughout the county.

Lois met Donald L. Larson of Pine City, Minnesota, and the two were married on September 16, 1956. They made their home in Duluth, where they shared 66 years of marriage in their little house on the hill, blessed with a million-dollar view. Together, they built a life filled with companionship, cherished memories, and the comforts of home.

Lois worked in banquet catering for many years and eventually joined the Holiday Inn, where she dedicated 16 years of service before retiring. She was a hardworking woman with many practical talents and a creative spirit.

One of Lois’s greatest joys was her love of flowers and gardening. She truly had a green thumb, and each summer she lovingly tended her flower gardens until the property looked like a park. Her care and attention transformed her surroundings into a beautiful place to enjoy. She also loved feeding the birds, keeping her feeders on the deck just outside the patio door so she could watch their daily activity. These simple pleasures brought her happiness and connected her to the beauty of the natural world.

Lois was also an expert seamstress, skilled in making draperies, sewing clothing for both men and women, completing alterations, and upholstering furniture. Her capable hands and attention to detail allowed her to create and restore things with care.

Animals held a special place in Lois’s heart. During their married life, she and Don shared their home with two poodles and two cats. Their second cat, Callie, became a cherished companion to Lois while Don was in the nursing home, staying by her side for as long as her health allowed. Lois always had a soft spot for cats, and the companionship they provided was especially meaningful to her.

Lois was a dedicated member of the West Duluth American Legion Auxiliary Post #71 for 50 years and served as its president. She was also a member of the West Duluth Legion Auxiliary Chorus, where she shared in the fellowship and camaraderie of fellow members.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Donald; her parents, William and Hilda Vorwerk; her brother, Lloyd Vorwerk, of Parshall, North Dakota; her sister, Dorothy Schroeder, of El Paso, Texas; her brother-in-law, Harold Zielicke, and sister, Esther Zielicke, of Eden, Wisconsin; and her sisters-in-law, Eileen Vorwerk, of West Bend, Wisconsin, and Elaine Vorwerk, of Eden, Wisconsin.

She is survived by her three brothers, Harold Vorwerk, of Eden, Wisconsin; Wesley Vorwerk, of West Bend, Wisconsin; and Jim (Ilene) Vorwerk, of Rapid City, South Dakota; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Schroeder, of El Paso, Texas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses, along with close friends Barry and Valarie Rosberg, LeRoy and Nancy Ullrich, Edna Davis, and Mr. Livingston.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to Randy and Sharon Zielicke, Barb Hau, and Phil O’Connor for their kindness, care, and assistance during Lois’s final years. Their support and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.

In keeping with Lois’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. She requested that the hymn “How Great Thou Art” be played as she is laid to rest.

Lois will be remembered for the life she cultivated, the beauty she created around her, her many talents, and the love she shared with those closest to her. May she rest peacefully, surrounded by the memories of a long life well lived.

Entombment will take place at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, Minnesota.