Ferne Joan (Grill) Larsen

     Ferne Joan Grill Larsen was born August 29, 1931, in Alvord, Iowa to Frances and William Grill.  The family moved to Eagle Grove when Ferne was 9 months old where she was baptized in the Lutheran faith. 

     Ferne graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1949 where she was active in speech contests, plays and music.  She was elected to the All-State Band, All-State Choir and was president of “A” music club.  Ferne was a member of the National Honor Society, Thespians and attended Eagle Grove Junior College for two years where she received her teaching degree.  She taught 4th grade in Ackley, Iowa for one year before marrying Lewis A. Larsen of Eagle Grove in 1952.  To this union were born three children: LuAnne Larsen, William Larsen and James Larsen.  James and his wife Carolyn have three children, Elizabeth, Paul and Michelle who Ferne adored.

     Ferne and her husband traveled extensively and for 8 years had a home at Lake Tahoe where she enjoyed being Co-Chairman of the Special Olympics of Northern Calif-Nevada, associated with the North Shore Tahoe Women’s Club.  She was also active in the Presbyterian Church and in PEO.  For the past 30 years, Ferne and her husband wintered in Arizona before returning permanently to Eagle Grove in 2011.

     Ferne enjoyed bridge, doing crossword puzzles, writing poetry and collecting stuffed animals.  She was an avid cook and loved Christmas.

     Ferne passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Paula J. Baber Hospice House in Fort Dodge at the age of 88 years. 

     Preceding Ferne in death were her mother and father, sister Lois Grill and brother, Capt. USN Robert Grill of Pensacola, Florida.

     She leaves to mourn her beloved family and many friends.

     Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove.  A private family service will be held on Tuesday.

    Memorials may be directed to the Wright County Humane Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ferne Joan (Grill) Larsen, please visit our floral store.