Vivian Larsen

A long time friend that we will miss.

Dear Cheryl, Rachael, Tim and family,

Psalm 119 (in Vivian’s mothers tongue) – December 27, 2008 devotion
153 på min å liding og leverer meg, for jeg har ikke glemt din lov.
154 Forsvarer min årsak og innløser meg ; bevarer mitt liv som gir til din løfte.
155 Frelser er fjerne fra det onde, for de ikke søker ut din påbud.
156 som Din medlidenhet er stor, O HERRE ; bevarer mitt liv som gir til din lover.
157 Mange er fiendene som forfølger meg, men jeg har ikke vendt fra din vedtekter.
158 som jeg ser på faithless med loathing, for de adlyder din ord ikke.
159 Ser hvordan jeg elsker din regel ; bevarer mitt liv, O HERRE, gi til din kjærlighet.
160 som Alle din ord er sann ; alle din righteous lover er evige.

I had several conversations with Vivian regarding our family history and other topics as well. As I reflect on these conversations, it was the other topics that impressed me the most.

Vivian was born to faithful parents in difficult times. At the age of eight, she remembers wearing her best dress and walking to the Trinity Lutheran Church by herself. It was then that she remembers receiving the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ into her life.

When Vivian was dating Abel and attending MSU, she would baby sit me. As young as five years of age, I remember how much fun it was to be with her. She taught me so many things. What I remember is her beautiful and loving spirit. The Lord provided me a wonderful shepherd.

Vivian was sad to lose Abel who always lifted her up. She would sometimes ask, “What would Abel do?” She told me that his answer was typically, “put a smile on… you’ll feel better!” Vivian would share this advice with others who might be facing hardships. For most of her entire life, Vivian has had a direct and personal relationship with the Lord. What I didn’t know was that she prayed for her immediate family, her four Godchildren, other relatives and friends daily. She said, “I write in my journal and pray for them everyday… I tell the truth (good & bad).” She believed that reading the Bible and praying mattered. She went on to say, “we all tend to forget our blessings.” She said, if you feel a little pinch it’s your Aunt Vivian.”

Vivian’s thoughts then turned towards heaven. She said, “You never know when God is going to call (us), it’s going to be a whole new existence… It’s going to be wonderful!” Arnie, Vivian’s brother and brother-in-Christ, told me that in her final hours she was at peace and ready to go to heaven. At this time, I believe she would ask us all to put on a smile and know she is in a wonderful place.

Pslam 121 (in Vivian’s fathers tongue) – December 31, 2008 devotion
Ein Lied der Besteigungen.
1, den ich meine Augen zur Hügel von wo aufhebe, meine Hilfe kommt?
2, die Meine Hilfe vom HERRN kommt, der Hersteller von Himmel und Erde.
3, die Er Ihrem Fußrutschen nicht lassen wird,— er, der sich kümmert, um der Sie nicht schlummern werden;
4 tatsächlich, er, der sich um Israel kümmert, weder wird schlummern noch wird schlafen.
5, denen Der HERR sich um Ihnen kümmert,— der HERR ist Ihre Schatten an Ihrer rechten Hand;
6, denen die Sonne Ihnen bei Tage nicht schaden wird, noch der Mond bis Nacht.
7 Wird Der HERR Sie von allen Schaden behalten— er wird sich um Ihrem Leben kümmern;
8, denen der HERR sich um Ihren Kommen sowie Gehen jetzt kümmern wird

Your cousin in Christ,

Bobby

Rachael and family, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I just saw her a couple of weeks ago, and she still maintained her "spunk" even after her illness. I know she will be missed by many. Pam(Aspen Med Gp)

Dear Ones (as Aunt Agnes greeted us for many years)

It is never time to say good by to the ones we love, but we can thank the God that Vivian loved and honored that we have all those years of happy memories. Even in her little apartment it was like you had come home to visit with her in the years since Abel left before her. I think often about the last big pary that I attended at the Bloomington home, which was Aung Inga's "Going Away Party" and the celebration of her life that we did. It was typical full welcome mat with Vivian quietly in charge to see that we were all made to feel at home. We always did! She was one of a kind and I will miss my "extra" sister who happened to be married to "my Cuz"!

Love and Prayers,

Inky

Dear Family of Vivian Larsen,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother and sister. Vivian and Abel spent the first night of their marriage at our home in Crystal, Minnesota, and we spent many happy hours at each others homes throughout the years so we have many joyful memories. Vivian called me one day last summer and we spent much time catching up and reminiscing about days gone by. Vivian will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

God bless,

Harold and Elaine