Helen Theresa Larson
November 03, 2014
Helen Theresa Larson, 89, peacefully went to be with the Lord on November 3, 2014 after a brief illness. She was born on July 10, 1925 to Phillip and Mary O’Reilly. Helen grew up in Eldora, Iowa and moved to Des Moines where she married Rolland Larson on September 7, 1947.
Helen was a faithful member of St. Theresa’s parish for 64 years. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and volunteered her time organizing funeral dinners for the parish for over 20 years. She was known for her love of family, golf, and cooking. She was devoted to her family and known by many for her “famous” banana bread, apple pie, and cinnamon rolls. She was a charter member of Urbandale Golf and Country Club. In addition, Helen enjoyed playing bridge, the Red Hatters, and giving of her time as a Eucharistic Minister volunteer at Mercy West Lakes Hospital.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rolland Larson; five children, David Larson, Theresa (Vern) Edin, Phillip (Shari) Larson, Riley (Julie) Larson, and Mary Ann (Greg) Spear; thirteen grandchildren; Nick, Joe, Alex, Tiffany, Jeremy, Bryan, Michael, Jonathan, Logan, Lindsay, Andrew, Maddie, and Hannah; seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Joe O’Reilly of Chariton; and many loving nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Lee Larson; her parents; sisters, Mary Margaret O’Reilly, Peggy Oppold, Ann Nelson; and brother, Sylvester O’Reilly.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Rd. in Des Moines.
A special thank you to the staff at Mercy West Lakes, Edgewater Retirement Community, and Wesley Life Hospice Care for their excellent care and compassion during her illness. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Tracy Hammon-Karl
11/12/2014
I'm so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. I do remember getting to talk with the "grown-ups" before your Bridge parties, the Luau's, and our families get-together's ~ such fond memories. There are many that share your loss. You all are in my heart and prayers.
Judie & Ron Brown
11/11/2014
We are so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. We had such fun with you and Helen back in Des Moines playing golf & bridge with my parents (Doris & Lowell). Also in The Villages, so many good times shared. She was such a sweet lady. You and your family are in our prayers.
Diane McBride-Thompson
11/10/2014
Oh, so many wonderful memories of Helen, and so sorry to hear of her passing. All the golf we played at Urbandale GCC, and in The Villages, FL The BBQs' we enjoyed with our families (Hammon's and Larson's') in Des Moines...on and on.. What a wonderful, well lived life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Your family, Rollie. God's speed Helen.
Pam Storey
11/06/2014
Thinking of you Rollie...She was a great lady....
Joann Faber
11/06/2014
Sending my prayers and sympathy to Rollie and Helen family. We had some good times on the UGCC golf course.