Emma Ann Larsen

Emma Ann Larsen, the daughter of Peter and Minnie Christensen Niklasen, was born April 14, 1915, at her parent’s home near Audubon, Iowa and died March 6, 2012, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon at the age of 96 years, 10 months, and 22 days. Emma was baptized at her parent’s home immediately after birth due to the fear that she might not survive through the day. At the age of one, the family moved to a farm located north of Anita, Iowa. Emma was confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair, Iowa. She attended rural school north of Anita then graduated from the Adair High School with the Class of 1934. Emma took Normal Training then taught rural school at the school she had attended north of Anita. On May 16, 1936, she was united in marriage to Laurits Larsen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. One daughter Anne, who was such a joy to them, was born to this union. They lived on and operated Laurits’ family farm north of Kimballton, Iowa. There they grew grain and raised Hereford cattle for which they were well known. They operated the farm for many years then retired and moved into Audubon in 1976. Laurits later died in 1981. Emma enjoyed her home where she babysat for her great grandchildren. She moved into the home of her granddaughter and husband, Monica and Troy Hagedorn where she has enjoyed living since 2002. Emma was a long time member of the Bethany Lutheran Church northeast of Kimballton where she taught Sunday school for many years. In 1991, she transferred her church membership to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Emma’s family was her greatest joy. Emma enjoyed handicrafts and was well known for china painting. She was an avid reader and enjoyed baking, crocheting, knitting and embroidery. Emma was a social person and kept in close contact with her many friends and relatives through her letter writing and phone calls. Emma’s faith and church were very important to her. Emma was preceded in death by her husband Laurits Larsen; her daughter Anne Madsen; her infant grandson Curtis Madsen; her brother Bert and wife Helen Niklasen; and her niece Doris Schuning. Survivors include her grandchildren Danny and wife Kelly Madsen of North Bend, Nebraska, and Monica and husband Troy Hagedorn of Audubon, Iowa; her great grandchildren Matthew Madsen of Atlantic, Iowa, Amy and husband Jerrid Walker of Anita, Iowa, Shane Madsen of North Bend, Josh Dykman of Lincoln, Nebraska, Madison Hagedorn and Nathan Hagedorn both of Audubon; her son-in-law Dale and wife Joanne Madsen of West Virginia; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery northeast of Kimballton, Iowa at 1:30 P.M.

Visitation:
The family will meet friends Thursday evening at 6:30 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Doug Opp on Friday, March 9, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa.