Mary Lou Larsen

Mary Lou Mett Larsen was born on September 9, 1928, in Spencer, Iowa, to Fern and Lyla Heikens Mett. She was raised on the family farm in Summit Township alongside her sister, Carolyn. She attended Summit Center country school, graduated from Spencer High School, went on to teachers college, and later taught at country school and in Gillette Grove Elementary for a short while.

Mary Lou’s love for the outdoors was reflected in her childhood adventures—riding bikes with cousins, ice skating, roller skating, and fishing along the Little Sioux River. As an adult, she enjoyed square dancing, ballroom dancing, hiking, and camping. She took voice lessons and piano as a child, a skill she enjoyed throughout her life; taking great joy in playing, and ever grateful to her mother for insisting she practice.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mary Lou’s life. Her upbringing at Zion Evangelical Church, founded in part by her grandfather, Harry Heikens, deeply shaped her Christian faith. Becoming an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school and held many other positions for nearly 30 years. Most recently she became a charter member of Rivers Edge Methodist Church, in Spencer.

In 1950, Mary Lou married Dale Larsen at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, beginning a lifetime of love and devotion. Together they raised three sons – Alan, Mark, and David – emphasizing values of hard work, kindness, and faithfulness. She was immensely proud of her family and always encouraged them to strive to do their best.

Beyond her family, Mary Lou cherished her friendships, and was also actively involved in her community. As a young girl, she became the first Worthy Advisor for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and she always held fond memories of those days. She was an active member of the Daughters of Ceres, the Clay County Porkettes, promoting pork from Seattle to San Diego . A member of the Clay County Garden Club, she and Dale shared a passion for gardening, creating breathtaking flower gardens filled with trees and blossoms they carefully nurtured over the years. She volunteered in the floriculture building at the Clay County Fair and also enjoyed competing successfully in table settings and flower arranging for nearly fifty years.

She and Dale began spending their winters in Surprise, Arizona in 1993 where they formed lasting friendships and volunteered weekly at St. Mary’s Food Bank, finding immense joy in helping others. They enjoyed playing golf and bridge, and “Hand and Foot” became a favorite family game too.

Mary Lou loved cooking and baking— she knew everyone’s favorites and always made sure that she had prepared enough for her ever growing family. Her hot noon meals during harvest were amazing and family holiday meals would feed an army with her delicious food. She took pride at having on hand, favorite treats, especially her famous brownies, “always a hit” with unexpected visitors.

Following Dale’s passing in 2021, Mary Lou continued to live independently, enjoying her golf course view, watching wildlife from her backyard windows, and dedicating time to daily Bible reading and piano playing—two of her lifelong passions.

Her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother brought her unparalleled joy. She hosted the grandkids’ sleepovers, sponsored shopping sprees, held Easter egg hunts, and cherished every moment spent with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She considered herself truly blessed to have received and shared so much love.

Left to cherish her memory:Sons: Alan (Shirley) of Phoenix, AZ; Mark (Robyn) of Spencer, IA; and Dave (Kelli Farrar) of Spencer, IA.

Grandchildren: Nicholas Larsen and daughter Addilyn; Beau Larsen (Kelli) and sons Hudson and Easton; Brittany Carnahan (James) and children Isabelle, Lilah, and Cruise; Bethany Larsen and children Trey and Kalli Jo Glenn; Emily Paxton (Kyle) and son Jett; and Alexandra Larsen.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Eldon Larsen (Pat), her cousin and cherished friend, Franklin Mett, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Mary Lou’s life was one of love, faith, family, and community—leaving a legacy that will be cherished forever.

Her favorite poem, Trees by Joyce Kilmer, reflected her deep connection to nature, and devotion to God, a love abundantly evident to her family and inspiring to the countless lives she touched. Her warm, generous, caring nature will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who loved her.