Lorelei Jane Larson

Lorelei Jane Larson, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 15th, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Kenneth and Clara Larson; father, Robert Larson; mother, Francis Rutledge. She is survived by her children, David Fritsche, Jonathan (Misty) Fritsche, Krista Fritsche, and Mark (Gail) Fritsche; grandchildren, Izy Fritsche and Kaylee Olson; siblings, Mary Beth (Tim) Mead and Kären (Dan) Rabehl; special friend Steve Walsh; Bill (Jayn) Fritsche; along with many other family and friends.

Lorelei’s first love was her family. She was very devoted to each and every one, making sure they knew the very special bond she felt with them. Her early life was shaped by being mostly raised by her paternal Grandparents in Mason City Iowa. She spent her last couple High School years in California with her father and step-mother Phyllis, then on to nursing school at Highland Hospital School of Nursing in Oakland.

Lorelei’s passion was in serving others. She fulfilled her passion first by her nursing career. After graduation she worked a couple years at a hospital in Berkeley, but soon realized her longing was to move back to Minnesota to settle down. Not long after arriving in Minneapolis in 1965 she met her future husband, Bill. She continued to work for a while, but after starting her family she realized she wanted to devote her time fully to raising her four children. She returned to her nursing career in her 60’s as an in-home healthcare nurse. Her passion to serve continued throughout her life in one form or another.

Lorelei was a member of the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church where she had many wonderful friends. She also served others in many groups and organizations, some lasting for 40 years or more. These groups included her Growth and Support Group, A Course in Miracles, the Laughing Ladies, Enneagrams, a piano group where she met once a month with close friends to play for each other, amongst several other support groups where she met some of her closest friends.

As a girl she learned Piano and Saxophone. She had fun playing in the marching band, and as an adult enjoyed playing her Sax in the Meredith Willson North Iowa Band Festival. She also loved to play piano for her two younger sisters and later her children, who fondly remember being with her at the piano, watching and singing along to special songs, or even getting to play a note or two with her.

Lorelei was a very gentle, caring and soft spoken soul. Everywhere she went she easily made many lifelong friends. Even those who only knew her for a few months felt they knew her forever. She was exceptionally present when with people and they knew she gave them her undivided attention. She had well thought out gifts for family, friends, and gatherings, excited to share herself with them. She had much to share with everyone. She loved to tell of a favorite cruise trip on the Rhine River in Germany where she was able to finally see her “Lorelei Rock”. She enjoyed traveling more in her later years to State and National Parks and later made several trips out to both Florida and Washington to visit her children and grandchild.

Given her gentle nature no one ever heard her utter an inappropriate word. Her Norwegian heritage was deep in her background and when she was stressed you could actually hear her say “Uff-Da”. She was a very prim and proper lady, always dressed just so, and loved to accent her outfits with special coordinated jewelry.

She had an enormous love of beauty, and could find that beauty everywhere. She loved flowers, plants, sunshine, warmth and especially autumn leaves. Her favorite thing to do in fall was take a ride to see the beautiful countryside color. Her very special place to go with her family was the North Shore and year round she frequented Como Lake and Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, reveling in the seasonal displays. There her soul would be refreshed with beauty and peace.

Her love and care also included her many pets, both cats and dogs. Mugsy, Chi-Chi, Vida, Clyde, Orphie, Radar, Pepper, Zeus, Lola, and last but not least her grand-doggies Alex and Nurse Ratchett.

We all love and miss this gentle person and wish her soul much love on her continued journey after this life.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota.

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/donate