Alice "Bunny" L. Piltingsrud Larsen

Alice L. "Bunny" Larsen was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was gracious and trustworthy in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Alice was born March 19, 1929, in Roland Township, Iowa. She was the daughter of Rudolph and Dorothy Piltingsrud. Bunny grew up in New Richland, Minnesota and was raised with one sibling, Dale Piltingsrud. Bunny was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her borther. She and her brother experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Bunny had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She grew up on a farm in Iowa and Minnesota before electricity and plumbing.

A typical teenager, Bunny had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from New Richland High School in New Richland, Minnesota in 1947. Bunny's Dad had a plane and she learned to fly as a teenager. She also enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Bunny enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Bunny was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf University in 1951. Her favorite courses were Philosophy and English.

On June 4, 1952 Bunny exchanged wedding vows with Paul Larsen at her home in New Richland, Minnesota. Empathic and loyal, Bunny was committed to making her new family happy.

Bunny worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Bunny was blessed with four children, 2 daughters, Lynda and Karen and 2 sons, David and Dan. Another blessing for Bunny was the gift of eleven grandchildren, Taliessin, Kirsten, Ethan, Erik, Brett, Kira, Jaira, Naomi, Lucas, John and Levi. She also has three great grandchildren; Paloma, Jecko and Alessandra.

Bunny was a devoted homemaker and mother who gave of herself endlessly for her husband and children. As her children grew and became increasingly independent, she worked as a substitute teacher in the schools and later became an award-winning journalist. She spent nearly thirty years writing and researching for various newspapers. In addition, she gave of her time with women's prayer and intercessory groups and is survived by numerous friends from those endeavors and her church.

Bunny enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading books and writing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Throughout her life, Bunny was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Bunny was an active member of the Lydia Women's prayer ministry and other prayer groups.

Bunny was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving as a Deacon and board member of Highland Springs Fellowship, Banning, California. Politically, Bunny was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and staunch advocate for pro-life causes.Bunny’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Highland Springs Fellowship in Banning, California for 10 years.

Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Bunny was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included journalism awards for excellence, including the NYS Agricultural Society's 1979 annual Journalism Competition for best article.

Though Bunny rarely traveled after her husband died, her lifelong dream of visiting Israel was finally fulfilled in April 2009, only six weeks after undergoing a radical mastectomy. It became one of her most memorable events and resulted in several new friendships, as well as cemented existing ones.

When Bunny’s retirement finally arrived in 2009, she was well prepared. Even in retirement, Bunny continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Bunny was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Bunny passed away on October 29, 2010 at at her home in Banning, California. She died after an eight year battle against breast cancer. She is survived by her four children; Lynda, David, Dan and Karen; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Services were held at Highland Springs Fellowship, 5297 W. Wilson St, Banning, California, Monday, November 8, 2010, at 10:00 AM. Bunny was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery, 22492 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California, Monday, November 8, 2010, at 2:00 PM. A visitation was held, Sunday, November 7, 2010, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, California.

Simply stated, Bunny was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Bunny leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Alice L. "Bunny" Larsen.