Elizabeth "Betsy" W. Larson

On April 17, 2025, we said farewell to the endlessly loved Elizabeth (Betsy) Willett Larson. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to create a well-traveled trail of love, laughter, and joy, which now serves as a guided path for those of us who feel lost without her presence.

Betsy lived every day in a way that ensured it was filled with laughter. She participated in lawn-destroying mud pits, messy mashed potato food fights, and water hose dousing with her children and grandchildren because it resulted in full-belly laughs from all. She sewed pant legs together on April Fool’s Day and delivered May baskets on May Day, all to make certain that giggles were imminent.

She also found beauty wherever she went—whether it was a baby in the store, a flower growing through a sidewalk crack, irresistible costume jewelry, music, a well-appointed plate of food, or stunning outfits. She loved to be with, in, and around beauty, reveling in the simple pleasures of life.

Without fail, Betsy greeted every person with an unforgettable smile that made you feel like you were the only person in the room. This light, and her many gifts, touched the lives of individuals far beyond her family to include her friends, neighbors, many piano students, high school music students, and youth group participants.

Betsy built a love-filled home and life with Jeff Larson, her husband of 55 years. They enjoyed and played music together in church, with friends, students, and family, traveled across the country on long motorcycle adventures (getting her own motorcycle license in her 50s), and traveled to Italy, staying in a 14th Century castle with 22 of her family members. No matter the situation, circumstance, or location, she offered unconditional love to her entire family.

Betsy’s incalculable impact lives on through her husband, three children, Travis (Amy), Kristin (Eric), and Nick (Kristy), five grandchildren, Josh, Ethan, Arthur, Ruth and Erin, her life-long playmates and their spouses, sister Carol (Ralph) and brothers, Tom (Nancy), John (Connie), Jim (Ellen) and Ed (Cheryl), as well as many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law.

While she no longer laughs among us, her joy lives within all who knew her.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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