Mathilda Larson, 97, of Willmar (formerly of Clarissa) passed away on March 14, 2007, at the Rice Care Center in Willmar.  Funeral services for Mathilda were held on Saturday, March 17, 2007, 11 a.m., at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa with Rev. Hollis Bishop officiating.  Interment was held at Woodman Cemetery in Clarissa.                                 

Casket Bearers were David Thorpe, Chris Larson, David Nelson, Mike Peterson, Larry Fimon and Thad Olson.

Mathilda Evelin was born on August 4, 1909 to Edward and Mathilda (Olson) Thorpe

in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.  She was baptized on October 3, 1909 at Green Lake Lutheran Church in Spicer.  Mathilda married Elmer C. Larson on December 20, 1933.  They farmed South of Clarissa for 40 years and Mathilda also worked for Jennie O in Willmar for seven years.  While living on the farm Mathilda attended Our Savior’s Church where she enjoyed circle, teaching Sunday school with Elmer and Adult Bible Study.  She also enjoyed quilt making and reading.  Mathilda spent the last six years at Rice Care Center in Willmar where everyone loved her.    

Mathilda is survived by her sons:  Floyd in Hawaii, Keith (Vicky) of Atwater, 2 sisters:  Esther Rhyner, Nettie Kolstad, 1 granddaughter, 3 grandsons, 6 great grandsons and one great-great granddaughter.

Mathilda is preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer, son Dale, 6 brothers and one sister.