Bernice "Bea" Larsen

Bernice “Bea” Larsen, age 90, of Yankton, South Dakota, completed her earthly journey on Saturday, February 23, 2019 and slipped peacefully into the presence of the Lord. Memorial services are 10:30 AM, on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton with Reverend Steve Weispfennig officiating. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Bernice was born August 12, 1928 to Edward and Regina (Haar) Voll. She was a lifetime resident of Yankton County. Bea was baptized and confirmed at Martinus Lutheran Church in Utica, South Dakota by Pastor Rehwald. On February 15, 1949, she married Kenneth “Duane” Larsen at Martinus. After their marriage, they lived on a farm in the Mayfield area and Bea taught school for two years in Yankton County. She then worked at several different places throughout the years including, Dakota Co-op Telephone, WNAX, JoDean’s Restaurant, South Dakota Human Services Center. She also really enjoyed her time working at Gurney’s Seed and Nursery from 1985 to 2000. After Duane died in 1992, Bea moved to the Lewis and Clark Lake area and loved being by the water surrounded by nature watching the deer and birds. She also enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. Bea had a beautiful smile, loved to laugh and had an innate kindness and generosity for others. Bea was a wonderful cook and was famous for her caramel rolls. She spent many hours planning and preparing meals for family gatherings. Her selfless nature was evident to all. Bea is survived by four children: Nancy Haas of Yankton; Kenny Larsen (Ellen) of St. Charles, South Dakota, Lindy (Clif) Williams of Irene, South Dakota and Terry Larsen (Phoebe Dirks) of Dakota City, Nebraska; grandchildren: Mark and Paul Haas, Jeremy Larsen, Jessie Eliason, Jamie Hood, Josey Larsen, Kassie Doramus and Tonya Bohlke; many great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Bea was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane Larsen on October 13, 1992; daughter, Vicki Larsen; granddaughter, Tammy Haas, son-in-law, Steve Haas; and two sisters, Dorothy Nelson and Verena Linthicum. The family would like to thank the staff of Willow 1 for their compassionate care over the years. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.