Marian R. Larson

Marian R. Larson, age 96, of Traverse City, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born and raised in Northern Michigan, she always had a heart for service. Starting by writing to soldiers during WWII to help with morale, she was asked by her brother-in-law to write to a fellow Navy mate from Wisconsin. Hence starting a relationship that would end in 67 years of marriage. Together they raised 3 children and a myriad of dogs and cats. Both were committed to helping their church and community. Marian worked a full-time job as a switchboard operator at Munson for many years spanning the era of plugging in every call manually to making the conversion to digital. Meanwhile, cooking Wednesday night dinners at the church. She was devoted to her family and pursued searching the genealogy of both hers and Glenn’s family trees. A wonderful cook and instiller of many family traditions that even the grandchildren insist on following every holiday regardless of age to this day. She loved knitting, sewing, especially quilting to the point she was stealthily giving quilts to neighbors at night so she could clear the decks to make more. She enjoyed reading and had a book reading challenge going with her granddaughter starting every New Year. Most of the time she won. She loved animals, wild and domestic. Wolves, whales and baby seals were equally admired and contributed to at some point in her life. An avid Tigers fan her entire life, she had definite opinions about the line up, coaching staff and favorite players over the years. She played Euchre like a Vegas blackjack dealer and achieved her ultimate goal this week of going alone with a winner takes all hand. She shall be greatly missed. Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Larson; parents, Chris & Ruth (Peart) Conant; and siblings: Marvin Conant, Lewis Conant, Alberta Arthur. She is survived by her children: Robin (John) Murray, Chris (Kelli) Larson, Melissa Larson; grandchildren: Tiffany (Russ) Hodgson, Jennifer (Dan) Ham, Hannah (Jeff) Montague, Sarah Larson, Henry (Jill) Murray; great grandchildren: Alaska, Max, Indie, Alex, and Peter. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 244 Washington St., Traverse City. The family will welcome visitors an hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. A lunch reception will follow. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Michigan, whose caretakers took great care of Marian up until her passing.

Marian R. Larson

June 22, 1928 - January 18, 2025