Eleanor Anna Larson

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Eleanor Anna (Joerger) Larson, 92, who passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home in Nixa, Missouri, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving son and daughter, Maynard and Nickie. Eleanor was born on February 3, 1934, in Forestburg, South Dakota, to the late Xavier and Ellen (Larson) Joerger. Growing up as one of eight children on the family farm, she graduated from Forestburg High School in 1953. After working a short term in the insurance business in Omaha, Nebraska, Eleanor followed a divine calling and received the habit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, taking the name Sister Mary Xavier in solemn investiture ceremonies at the Milwaukee Motherhouse on July 1 and 2, 1958. Though she eventually left the convent, her life remained a testament to her deep Catholic faith and a calling to serve others. She pursued nursing, earning her LPN license from Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois, on May 18, 1974. Eleanor worked tirelessly in various hospitals and primarily in nursing home facilities, pouring compassion into her patients. Her ultimate act of nursing devotion was caring solely for her husband, Edward Larson, at home until his passing, ensuring he never had to enter a nursing facility. Eleanor married the love of her life, Edward Larson, on April 12, 1975. Together they welcomed their firstborn son, Maynard, in 1977, and were preceded in death by their infant daughter, Melinda, in 1980. Eleanor welcomed Edward’s children from his first marriage completely into her heart, loving and raising them as her very own. To Eleanor, family knew no boundaries; she welcomed everyone in, and no one was ever a stranger. Affectionately known by those who loved her as "Gabby Goose," Eleanor cherished every single minute spent talking with family and friends, whether in person, over the telephone, or through her beautifully handwritten letters and birthday cards to her many pen pals. She was a woman of adventure who loved to travel. She went to Italy, journeyed to Israel and the Holy Land, took numerous road trips across the United States, and was blessed to live in Hawaii with Maynard and Nickie for three years, where she spent her days swimming in the ocean, eating fresh fish and fruit, and basking in the beautiful sunshine. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. If there was a church retreat or a holy pilgrimage available, Eleanor was the first to sign up. She put her faith into action at her parish, baking constantly to give treats to others, and working tirelessly at the church to host chicken dinners and various community events. At home, she was her son’s beloved canning buddy, passing down her profound love of cooking for others. She was also widely known for her wonderful hobbies of crocheting and knitting, crafting and gifting hand-made washcloths to so many people who will forever cherish them as a token of her love. While Maynard and Austin were her absolute world, this past year brought a magical new joy into her life. Born in September 2025, her blood great-granddaughter, Lylah Nichole Larson, became her absolute "everything." Lylah’s daily smiles kept Eleanor going, and Eleanor took immense pride in declaring that she should always be Lylah's only babysitter. Her home was also brought great comfort by her two favorite furbabies, Cooper, her best friend, and Oakley, her sweet cuddler, her two mini goldendoodles who never left her side. Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Larson; her infant daughter, Melinda; her parents, Xavier and Ellen Joerger; her brothers, Andrew, Maynard, Harold, and Clarence; her sister, Loretta (Joerger) Johnson; and her step-children, Dave Larson, John Larson, Patty (Larson) Wells, Carol Larson, and Connie (Larson) Riggins. Her beautiful legacy of unconditional love lives on through her surviving family: her son, Maynard Larson (Nickie) of Nixa, MO; her grandson, Austin Larson (Madison) of Nixa, MO; her cherished great-granddaughter, Lylah Nichole Larson; her brother, Clem (Margaret) Joerger of Willow Springs, MO; and her sister, Bertha Teare of Castle Rock, WA. She is also survived by her step-sons, Ed Larson (Susie), Rick Larson (Teresa), and Gary Larson (Shirley), all of Salem, MO; as well as 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a vast community of extended family, friends, and parish members who were touched by her genuine sweetness. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Final Arrangements Details: Salem, Missouri Services • Location: James & Gahr Mortuary, 103 W Center St, Salem, MO 65560 • Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Visitation : 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Family arrival at 4:30 PM) The Sacred Heart will be providing coffee and refreshments at the James Family Center across from the funeral home at 7:00PM. Woonsocket, South Dakota Services • Location: St. Wilfrid Catholic Church, 203 N 2nd Ave, Woonsocket, SD 57385 • Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 | Visitation & Prayer Service: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM • Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Mass, Luncheon & Burial: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM Pallbearers Active: Austin Larson, Benji Riggins, Ryan Larson, Steve Larson, Allen Larson, and Josh Joerger Honorary: Brian Larson, Donnie Wells, Mike Kinsella, Jeremy Nelson, Scott Larson, Heath Larson, Bo Hagen, Mike Hagen, and Dave Johnson

Eleanor Anna Larson

February 2, 1934 - August 22, 2026

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Eleanor Anna Larson

February 2, 1934 - August 22, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information