Obituary published on Legacy.com by DuBore Funeral Home - Warren from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2025.
Anita Austin Larson, 74, of Thief River Falls, MN, left her body and entered into eternity on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Anita Jean was born on May 15, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN, to Robert and Jean Austin. Raised in the city as the daughter of a prominent trial attorney and a very "opinionated" mother, Anita cultivated a lively imagination and a sharp mind- these fueled by various treasures brought home by her father from his travels around the globe. At an early age she was struck by the artwork of the orient, subsequently decorating each home with her ever-growing collection of furniture, fabrics, and daily-use items. From 1977 to 2012, Anita lived in Chaska, MN. A single mother for much of her life, Anita named her daughter, Jeanna, as her greatest achievement. And in addition to providing her with the gift of motherhood, Jeanna was the reason Anita went back to school in her 30s. Anita graduated Magna Cum Laude for both of her bachelor's degrees: one in Elementary Education and another in Family/Childhood Development from Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN. Equipped with these, Anita set off to advocate for her daughter- and many, many other children besides.
That love for education and a passion for students led Anita to teach at St. John's in Jordan, MN. Her bond with students was never broken, receiving letters from students long after she moved away. As it happened, she met John Larson through Jeanna (another gift), and the two were married on August 5, 2006 in Argyle, MN, John's hometown. They made their home in Thief River Falls, and Anita would earn her masters degree (at the University of St. Thomas on a full ride) studying Early Child Development and Adult Education Curriculum. She served for a time as the Principal of St. Bernard's School.
These last years were marked by a declining health and spreading neuroendocrine cancer that, however much it diminished her body, did nothing to diminish her mind. She nurtured friendships near and far, and left a marked impact on all who knew her- however briefly. Anita was grateful for the gift of her granddaughter, Wylder, and would leave behind this message to those she loves:
"You are born... and you will die. And in between is where you live. That is significant."
So passes a remarkable woman.
Anita is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Jeanna Jafolla (Nathan Grant) and their daughter, Wylder Elorah Anita Grant; brothers-in-law, Richard (Suzi) Larson, and Steve (Carol) Larson; sisters-in-law, Edie (Bill) Bartels, Patsy (Jerry) Whitlow, and Kim (Jeanne) Freeman; and her dear friends, Mary Hanek, Linda Larson, and Mary Warden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean Austin; in-laws, Al and Vivian Larson; sister-in-law, Voni Larson; and dear friend, Trudy Porter.
Memorials are Preferred and may be made to the Argyle HOPE Program:
PO Box 17, Argyle, MN 56713
or HIA Hospice
3800 56th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM, in DuBore Funeral Home Chapel,
Warren, MN.
A RECORDING may be found here: Anita Austin Larson- Funeral Service
VISITATION: one hour prior.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE to follow in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Argyle, MN.
RECEPTION: Argyle Community Center.
The family of Anita Austin Larson would like to thank everybody who has supported us as we learn to accept life without this remarkable woman.
We cannot begin to thank you all except to try and share with others what made Anita so special to us.
To honor her memory and in lieu of mailing thank you cards, we will be making donations to the Argyle HOPE program and HIA Hospice: the first an organization she supported, and the latter an organization which supported her.
We are grateful to her friends, family, students, and the rest- each of you holds a special place in our hearts.
The Anita Larson Family