Maurine "JANE" Larson

Maurine “Jane” Larson, 76, passed away peacefully on November 9^th, 2020 in Traverse City, MI after a lengthy illness. She was born on December 10, 1943 in Alliance, Nebraska to Maurice Griffin and Ruby Elinor (Bickel) O’Connor II.

Jane grew up in Bedford, Iowa. She graduated from Bedford High School in 1962. After high school she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she completed her undergraduate work while helping to care for her grandmother and working as a candy striper at a local nursing home.  She completed her teaching degree in 1968 at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI while being a dedicated wife and mother. She began her teaching career at Bullock Creek Elementary School in Midland, MI before moving to Grayling, MI in 1970 where she was a 1^st grade teacher at Grayling Elementary School for 21 years before retiring in 1991.

Jane married Gerald “Jerry” LeRoy Larson in 1965 in Lincoln, Nebraska where they met while she was in college and he was serving in the United States Air Force. They were happily married for 55 years. Over her years in Grayling, Jane was a member of many associations and clubs. She was honored by once being named Lioness of the Year as well as 1988 Woman of the Year for the Grayling Charter Chapter of American Business Women’s Association. Most recently Jane was a member of the Mary Ruth Circle at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church where she was a dedicated member. She was also a beloved member of the Cherry Bon Bons Red Hat Society. Jane enjoyed going to church, spending time with friends and family, going to her family and high school reunions, talking about her children/grandchildren as well as travelling with her husband and dear friends. Jane and Jerry spent many winters in Gulf Shores, AL and traveled to all 50 states prior to her death.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice G., and Ruby E. O’Connor; father in-law and mother in-law, Ernest L., and Elsie M. Larson; and her brother Maurice “Pat” G. O’Connor III.

Jane is survived by her spouse Jerry of Grayling, MI; daughters Kristine K. (Brian) Dandy of Hamilton, MT and Angela L. (Ronald) Trager of Macedonia, OH; brother James E. (Selina) O’Connor of Blockton, IA and sister Norma J. (Kelly) Butler of New Market, IA; brother in-law Ronald E. (Barbara) Larson and sister in-law Judith A. (Vern) Essenberg;  grandchildren Brent, Caleb and Connor Dandy; and her many nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

The family wishes to thank family and friends for the many cards, pictures, flowers and well wishes she has received over the last year. She read every word and loved to look at the cards and pictures posted on the wall by her bedside. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of COVID-19 she was unable to visit with her many cherished friends and family members personally before she died, but she felt your thoughts and prayers and gained much needed strength from them.  The family also wishes to thank all the family, neighbors and friends that helped support her husband Jerry throughout this difficult time with their many phone calls and acts of kindness.

A drive through visitation will be held at Sorenson Lockwood Funeral home in Grayling, MI on November 15^th, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

A private memorial service will be held at Sorenson Lockwood Funeral home in Grayling, MI followed by a private burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling, MI.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in Jane’s name for the family to purchase new winter coats, winter boots and backpacks filled with miscellaneous school supplies to give to Grayling Elementary School students in need. These items can also be brought to the funeral home during visitation hours.

Jane Larson's Online Family Visitation 1pm - 3pm (EST) November 15, 2020. Please click the link below to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4065654442

Jane Larson's Online Funeral Service 3pm (EST) November 15, 2020. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89069947188

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.