Rosa M. Larson

Rosa M. Larson, age 94, died on Friday, June 16, 2018, at St. John's Lutheran Community in Albert Lea. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Rochester, MN. Rosa Marie (Engel) Larson was born on February 14, 1924, at her grandmother Engel's home in Pepin, WI. She was the oldest daughter of Stanley and Ruby (Hawkins) Engel. As a child, Rosa spent summers on the Mississippi River where her father was a commercial fisherman. A specific spot on the river called "Deer Island" had been a favorite spot of Rosa's. She was a graduate of Pepin High School. Following graduation, Rosa pursued employment in the Twin Cities. On March 11, 1943, she joined in marriage to the love of her life, Carl Albert Larson at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, MN. Carl often kidded Rosa that she had Mississippi River water running through her veins. In the early years of their marriage they resided in Winona, then moved to southeast Rochester where they purchased and operated their family owned business, Carl's Food Market. They later moved to Red Wing, where Rosa acquired a passion for Red Wing Pottery. She was very knowledgeable in the history of Red Wing Pottery and was a pioneer and avid collector as well. She was one of the first participants for Gold Rush Days in Oronoco. At one time her house was full of her collection. Rosa was a charter member #30 in the Red Wing Collectors Society. Carl and Rosa later moved back to Rochester where Rosa resided until her death. One of her favorite hobbies was studying genealogy. She spent many hours putting together both family histories. Rosa loved scenic road trips and loved to travel, Ireland was her favorite. She was a diligent volunteer in various organizations for many years touching many people's lives. One of her favorites being a Cub Scout Leader. Rosa was also a volunteer for the hospital auxiliary. She was a member and Sunday school teacher at Bethel Lutheran Church. In her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed their in-home visits. Rosa was a wonderful seamstress and made Christmas quilts for each of her grandchildren. She also loved embroidery and making dish towels that all her family benefited from. Rosa had a special love for her Irish Grandmother, Ida Hawkins and attributed a great deal of her spunk and spontaneity for life to her. Rosa taught her boys through example and how to never give up in good and bad times. God has called Rosa home, but she will live on always in our hearts as love can never be taken away! The greatest love of Rosa's life was her family. She is survived by sons, Ronald A. Larson of Rochester, and David S. (Patricia) Larson of Conger; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; as well as her extended family, friends and her cat Pudder. Rosa was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Albert Larson; sons, Carl "Buddy" Larson and Randall "Randy" Larson; parents, Stanley and Ruby Engel' daughter-in-law, Leah (McGowan) Larson; sister, Laurel Roberta (Engel) Marcks; brother-in-law, Ron Marcks; and brother, James Stanley Engel. Praise be to God for the life of Rosa Marie Larson. Memorials may be designated to Paws and Claws. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. To share a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com