Esther I. Larson

Esther Irene (Vinnece) Larson was born on June 20, 1925, to Nels and Anna (Blannes) Vinnece in Badger, Iowa. She was raised in the area of her birth, attending country school and transferring to high school in Fort Dodge – taking an Algona school bus to Fort Dodge and back daily and only missing once.

On September 21, 1947, Esther was united in marriage with Leslie H. Larson at the Badger, Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on the Helleland farm southwest of Eagle Grove and raised four children. Esther moved to Rotary Senior Living in July 2018. Les preceded her in death on November 27, 2020.

Esther was always involved in life on the farm – walking beans, doing chores or helping wherever she was needed – but never on the sidelines. Esther and Les enjoyed many vacations together, their 20 some winters in Greene Valley, AZ and in their younger years going dancing. They took a dream trip to Norway in 1980, staying in the very home where Esther's mother was born. Esther embraced her Norwegian heritage and proudly would dress up for special occasions. She also loved her beloved dogs, playing bridge, needlework and cooking.

Esther was a long-time member of Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school and enjoyed singing hymns.

Esther passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Rotary Senior Living, at the age of 100 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Agnes Stensland, Arthur Vinnece, Alvin Vinnece, Gudrun Simpson, Henry Vinnece and Clifford Vinnece.

Survivors include her children: Lyle Larson (Phyllis) of Eagle Grove, Cyndie Nelson (Bruce) of Humboldt, Dean Larson (Linda Golbuff) of Eagle Grove and Dee Anne Jones (Derek) of Sun City, AZ; two grandchildren, Brian Nelson (Jennifer) of Humboldt and Ashley Mork (Nathan) of Cedar Falls; great grandchildren, Noah and Ellie Mork and special cousin, Sharel Jones of Atlanta, GA.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.