Lydia Edith Larson

Lydia Larson, age 89, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on October 14, 2024. She was born in Cando, N. Dak. Her education began at a country school, and from 5th through 12th grade she attended school in Bisbee, N. Dak. After graduating high school with honors, Lydia attended nursing school at Minot State College.

Lydia wed her high school sweetheart, Curtis E. Larson, in 1954, at the church they both had been baptized and confirmed in, Bisbee Lutheran Church.

They lived in several locations around the country while Curt was in the U.S. Air Force, eventually settling in Mayville, N.Dak. They were the owners of two drug stores, plus they co-owned a clothing store. Many summers were spent in Minnesota at their Cotton Lake cabin. After retirement, they spent winters in Arizona, and eventually Sun Lakes became their permanent residence.

Lydia was regarded as the family historian, and she documented her research in two unpublished books, one on the genealogy of her maternal line, and one on that of her late husband.

Wherever she lived, Lydia brought people together and created beauty. She hosted many family, friends, and community members, always making sure the presentation was befitting her guests. She and Curt were active in community organizations where they lived, including Mayville Lutheran Church and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, Ariz.

Lydia is survived by her son Mark (Crystal) Larson; sister Lynda Jo (Sam) Shoquist; grandchildren Valerie (Ethan) Brule, Joseph (Misha) Larson, and Jacob Larson; great-grandchildren Kailey, Livia, and Miles; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Curtis E. Larson; parents Joseph A. and Inga O. Westemeier; and brother Lyle M. Westemeier.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W Erie St., Chandler, AZ on November 2, 2024 at 1:00pm.

A service will also be held in Bisbee, N.Dak., where Curt and Lydia will be buried.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Trinity Memorial Fund, Hospice of the Valley, or The Gideons International.