Joan Louise Larsen

Joan was born in Corvallis, Oregon in July of 1934 and grew up in different small towns throughout western Oregon, the last being Elkton, Oregon where she graduated from high school as the valedictorian of her class. From there she went to Oregon State University where she became a member of the Alpha Phi sorority.

Graduating from college was not meant to be as she met her sweetheart at the Oregon Caves while they both were working there in the summer. She married Arthur Larsen Jr. in 1954.

After traveling for two years in the military, they moved back to Joan’s beloved Oregon. As the family continued to grow, they bought a house in Cedar Hills to settle and raise their young family. It is here that Joan truly shined and made her impact on the world. Anyone who knew her understood that home and family were her passion. She taught her children the meaning of responsibility, character, loyalty, and commitment and the value of education and hard work, but most of all love of family.

She supported her children throughout her life. For her two sons, she was a den mother while they were in Cub Scouts and as Boy Scouts, she encouraged them on their trail to Eagle Scout. For her daughter, and the other young women in her group, she was an amazing Camp Fire leader for many years.

Wonderful memories and friendships were formed through the activities and adventures she planned as their leader. Joan also supported her children and grandchildren throughout her life in their own interests, whether it was sports or the arts.

Adventures in camping, huckleberry picking (up narrow, windy logging roads), and clamming and crabbing at the coast will always be fondly remembered by her children. It was also important to Joan to bring family together. For years, she hosted many holiday gatherings and special occasions with relatives packed around her big dining room table. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing, and crafts, especially when it was a labor of love for her family.

With their nest empty and Art retired, they finally found the opportunity to travel the country and see the world. Joan also renewed her interest in genealogy, reconnecting with distant relatives, adding to the family history, and sharing with her grandchildren’s classrooms her family history and stories of the Oregon Trail. Unfortunately, declining health brought an end to their travels with Art passing away in 2013. Joan’s declining health followed. Perhaps the hardest part of her mental decline was not being able to participate fully in her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s lives. Little did she realize, it was their turn to return all the love she had shown them over the years.

Joan is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Arthur Larsen Jr. and her sister, Margaret Moore. Joan is survived by her two sisters: Ruth Stellmon and Penny Lucas Price. She is survived by her three children: John (Vickey) Larsen, Chris (Jennifer) Larsen, and Nancy (George) Stephan. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: John Larsen, Michael (Jayne) Larsen, Kellye (Jeff) Dundon, Matthew Larsen, and Brian Stephan. Joan was also blessed with two great grandchildren: Blake and Emelia Larsen.

The family would like to thank Anna’s Place at Hearthstone for the loving care they provided Joan. Gifts of remembrances can be sent to the Benton County Historical Society and Museum.