Joan Marie Larson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Marie (Erdahl) Larson, who peacefully joined the Lord on Sunday, April 14, 2024, after bravely fighting a long illness.

Joni was born in September of 1943 in Los Angeles, California, and relocated to Fargo, North Dakota shortly after her birth. She graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran School in 1961. In June of 1964, she married Bernie Larson, and together they embarked on a life journey that led them to Battle Creek, Michigan in 1965. Over the course of 56 years, Joan was a devoted wife and mother, a retired secretary at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and a retired Pennfield High School sports volunteer. She was a familiar face to many in Battle Creek, known for her role as the ticket taker at various events spanning four decades and is a recent inductee to the Battle Creek Area Amateur Sports Association Wall of Fame.

In her free time, Joan enjoyed playing cards with her Bridge and Bunko groups, participating in Pinochle games with family, and sharing meals with friends from church and the community. After facing unexpected health challenges, Joan moved to Staples, Minnesota to be cared for by her son Cam and his family and most recently Lakewood Pines and Care Center. Despite the distance, she cherished the memories of her Battle Creek family and friends but relished the opportunity to reconnect with relatives in Minnesota.

Joni’s passing marked the reunion of her and Bernie in Heaven, where they are joined by loved ones who have gone before them. Her family extends their gratitude to the Pennfield Panther community for their support over the years, and to the Battle Creek community for their care and friendship throughout the last six decades. PANTHER PRIDE! 

Joni was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie Larson of Battle Creek, MI; Parents, Sven and Ruth (King) Erdahl of Fargo, ND; Mother and Father-in-Law Francis (Kohler) and Ingvald Bakken; her sister and brother-in-law Gloria (Erdahl) & Herman Moeller of Detroit Lakes, MN; Her Brother Dr. Bruce Erdahl of Wadena, MN; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Keith and Verna Larson of Hugo, MN.

She is survived by her sons Christopher and Julie (Epstein) Larson of Mechanicsville, VA and Cameron and Trisha (Huseby) Larson of Staples, MN; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; Brother and Sister-in-law Delbert and Luann (Palma) Larson of Moorehead, MN; Sister-in-Law Barb (Larson) and Bruce Coufal of Frazee, MN.; Sister-in-law Judy (Fransen) Erdahl of Wadena, MN; and many more Nieces; Nephews, Cousins, and extended family and friends.

She will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Audubon, MN beside her husband on Saturday, May 25th at 2:00pm CDT. A fellowship time after will be held at The Pirate’s Den in Verndale, MN (Her Favorite Minnesota Restaurant.) from 4-7 PM.

 A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, MI on Sunday July 21, 2024 at 4 pm EDT. With fellowship time to follow. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to either:

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 349 Capital Ave NE Battle Creek, MI 49017 

Note: Heil Memorial Fund on behalf of Joan Larson

OR

Oak Grove Lutheran School Foundation; 124 N Terrace North, Fargo, ND 58102 

ATTN: Matt Hallaway