Jean "Tates" Marilyn Larson

Tates was born to parents Luther and Lily Samuelson in Newman Grove, Nebraska on September 5, 1926, and later graduated from Luther College in Wahoo, Nebraska, and also earned her nursing degree from Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis.

She married the late Rev. A. Eugene Larson on September 14, 1949, and served by his side in churches in Cheyenne, WY; Portland, OR; and Longmont, CO — and, well, a whole bunch of other places. The “pair of Jeans” lived and laughed and loved together in service to God and the community for over 56 years until Gene’s death in 2005. For a time, Jean worked as an RN, and she volunteered her time and energy in a multitude of ways for a multitude of organizations.

Her light, love, and joy will remain with all those fortunate to have known her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, her daughter, Christine Larson, and her grandson, Nicholas Larson. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lorene and Lasse Salmonsson of Växjö, Sweden, her son, Dean Larson of Longmont, her son and daughter-in-law, Damon and Anna-Marie Larson of Denver, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tates’ celebration of life will be held Friday, October 11, 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church 803 3rd Avenue Longmont, CO 80501. A reception will follow at 11:30am. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Jean’s name to Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran World Relief, or Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp.