Gladys Larson

Gladys Larson of Duluth, MN, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Nov. 19 at the age of 101. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Evert and granddaughter Katy. Gladys led an artistic and adventurous life. She graduated from Proctor High School and received an art school scholarship, though instead met and fell in love with Evert R. Larson. Married for nearly 64 years, Gladys and Evert owned several Duluth businesses including a grocery store, hardware store and a Standard Oil station where customers would come to see "the woman pumping gas". She was one of the first women with a Coast Guard certificate allowing her to captain the couple's 67' boat on Lake Superior. They homesteaded the Larson's farm house in Melrude, MN where the husband/wife team rebuilt the home to include electricity, plumbing, heat, windows, new floors, a second story and a sauna. Throughout her life, Gladys was known for her artistic talents. An accomplished seamstress and lifelong knitter; she applied her creative genius to needle arts, china painting, beading, temari balls, jewelry making as well as carding and dyeing raw wool so she could weave and spin on her two floor looms. She belonged to several guilds and won many awards for her work. Gladys was a pioneer and matriarch in every sense; her adventure, spirit, abundance of common sense, curiosity, independence, and generosity live on in her 2 children, 5 grandchildren, 4 great- and 6 great-great grandchildren. We are blessed to have had her with us for so long, sharing her stories, wisdom and love. Memorial Service: Nov. 30, 11 am Boutwells Landing, 5600 Norwich, Oak Park Heights, MN. Memorials in her name to Presbyterian Homes Foundation.