Bernadine C. "Bernie" Larson, 77, of Buffalo; faithful, loving wife of 57 years to Leo L. Larson and devoted loving mother of seven: Agnes, Bertha, Catherine, Denise, Evelyn, Florence, and Gerald (also known as the ABC kids); grandma and great-grandma, sister, sister-in-law and friend to many, passed away peacefully in her home Friday Aug. 2, 2013. Bernie was born Sept. 29, 1935, to the late August and Bridget (Dehmer) Kasper in St. Michael. She attended St. Michael Catholic School through eighth grade. At a young age, Bernie’s kind, loving, and caring qualities shone through as she became the “primary” personal care attendant of her late grandmother. Although Bernie always had a special place in her heart for family and friends, whether it was out for a night of dancing or a big family get-together, she always kept God closest to her heart. Her life was blessed on Aug. 3, 1955, when she married Leo L. Larson at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. The two of them resided in Monticello where they owned and operated Larson Mobil until 1961 when they moved to rural Buffalo to open a new chapter of their lives working together raising their blessed family of six girls in seven years on the farm and becoming devoted members of St. Francis Xavier Church. In 1973, they were blessed with their son, Gerald. Bernie spent 40 years on the farm working hand-in-hand with Leo and their children until 2004, when they retired and moved to town. Bernie’s retirement only provided her with more free time to enjoy crocheting, quilting, baking cookies and time to enjoy not only her own grandchildren and great grandchildren, but all the children in their neighborhood. Bernie was a dedicated volunteer spending much of her time volunteering at St. Francis Xavier Church and School, The King’s House and local nursing homes, while showing charitable/prayerful support to many. Many people say there is nothing like a mother’s love, and they are right. Bernie was a wonderful wife/mother/grandma/great-grandma/sister/sister-in-law and friend who showed love to everyone she came in contact with. She was caring and beautiful inside and out. She loved life, her family and her friends. She is survived by her husband: Leo Larson, and their children: Agnes (Al) Bethke, of Greenfield; Bertha (Dan) Woehler, of Arlington; Catherine (Gary) Hedlof, of Willmar; Denise (Brad) Pietig, of Olivia; Evelyn (Paul) Wurm, of Monticello; Florence (Keith) Paumen, of Maple Lake; and Gerald (Kimberly) Larson, of Buffalo; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Norita DesMarais, of Buffalo, and Agnes (Joe) Marketon, of Howard Lake; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Bertila Barthel, Marie Beaudry, Barbara Marketon and Delphine Vetsch, brothers: Donald Kasper and Lewis Kasper, and her mother- and father in-law: Carl and Gladys Larson. Visitation was Monday, Aug. 5, from 2-5:30 p.m. with Mass at 6 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Private family interment was Tuesday, Aug. 6, at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Francis Church and St. Francis School in the name of Bernie Larson. The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo is serving the family. Condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
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