Jean Marie Larsen

Jean Marie Larsen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the age of 62. 

A Memorial service will be held from 2:00 - 2:30 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Milaca.  A reception will follow the service from 2:30 - 5:00 PM at the church on Saturday.

Jean was born June 27, 1957 to Vernon and June (Swanson) Koch in Milaca, MN.

She attended grade school in Foreston, MN and graduated from Milaca High School. 

She married her high school sweetheart Michael Larsen on August 31, 1974.  He was the love of her life for over 45 years. Together they made their home in Milaca where they enjoyed traveling, camping, watching sunsets at the cabin, taking long walks and spending time together all while raising two children, Michelle and Neil.  He never left her side.

Jean worked at the Foley Nursing home while attending High School.

After graduating she sold Home Interiors and provided in-home daycare.

In 1980, Jean started her career in the family hardware store which she later took over operations in 1985.  Her passion for the community was evident in her work.  Jean was a successful and smart business owner and was an industry pioneer. In 2003, she expanded the business and Koch’s Hardware became one of the largest female-owned Hardware Stores in the state. Jean always prided herself on having whatever anyone needed or wanted. She loved what she did and was always thankful for the community’s support.

Jean was a woman of deep faith.  She found joy in spreading God’s message. She was an active member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed.  She served on various boards, taught and organized Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and attended Bible studies.

Jean enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She had a special knack for cooking.  Her family will miss her delicious meals that were prepared with love.  Jean enjoyed being outdoors gardening and planting flowers in her flower gardens.

Her Grandkids were her pride and joy.  She loved nothing more than to watch them participate in their school activities and to have them close by her side. Grandma was an important part of their lives and she put great thought into making each birthday and Holiday special for them.

She will always be remembered for making everyone feel welcome and loved.  She had a generous heart, strong faith, and a warm smile.  She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

She is survived by her husband Mike, children Michelle (Basil) Meixell and Neil Larsen (Jennifer  Thene) both of Milaca; grandchildren, Elyse, Megan, Noah, Nick, McKinlie, and Brynnlie; sisters, Julie (Jerry) Nelson of Aitkin, Joline (Larry) Molstad of St. Cloud, Janet (Roger) Ryan of Milaca, Janelle (Bill) Fogel of Milaca, and brother-in-law Chuck VanDonsel of Foreston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and June Koch; sister, Joyce VanDonsel and nephews, Chad Broschofsky and Jon Molstad.