Maree Lou Larson

After a long and arduous fight with cancer, Maree Lou Larson died peacefully in her sleep on April 9, 2026, at the age of 90 years. She died at home surrounded by love.

Maree Lou was born on February 15,1936 to Norman Kornelius and Esther (Eliason) Kornelius. She was born in the middle of a winter storm with temperatures reaching 40 degrees below zero and snow drifts 10-12 feet high. She often told the story of coming home from a small-town clinic in a horse drawn sleigh, all bundled up. She was raised on the farm outside of Fort Ransom, along with her brother and 3 sisters. Maree Lou graduated from Fort Ransom High School and went on to Interstate Business School, after which she worked in Fargo.

Maree Lou and Douglas Larson married on June 23, 1957. She and Douglas had known each other since they were babies. She told a story of her mother bringing her to visit Douglas and his mother after he was born. They had been married for 65 years when Douglas died in August of 2022 after a long illness. Maree Lou had selflessly devoted several years to caring for him at home.

After marrying, Maree Lou and Douglas lived in Lisbon for many years, during which time their three children were born. Maree Lou was a devoted wife and mother. She had a knack for decorating and creating a warm and loving home.

They also lived in West Fargo for many years as well as a short time in Eagen, MN before landing back home in Fort Ransom, ND in 1992. There they spent several years enjoying their retirement among family and friends. Over the years she used her artistic talents to leave her mark, from creating church banners to designing and creating the cover of the Fort Ransom Community History book, better known as the “green book”, which her children still reference often.

Maree Lou was a very talented artist. Her paintings and drawings still grace the walls in the homes of many people. She and Doug ran a framing business for a few years while living in Fort Ransom.

Maree Lou and Douglas enjoyed spending time at their lake home on Turtle Lake, with many gatherings taking place in the past 40 plus years. They made several quality improvements to the property over the years, enabling their children, grandchildren and friends to enjoy themselves for years to come.

Maree Lou and Douglas made many life-long friends, some going back 60 years or more. All of their friends were very dear to them. Even their kids’ friends from childhood still come around to visit.

Surviving Maree Lou are her daughter Danette (Paul) Lines, Gaithersburg MD; sons Kevin Larson, Gaithersburg, MD and Tim Larson, Fargo, ND; granddaughters Andrea (Joe) Bennett and their children Olivia and Millie Jo; Dana Lines and her children Titan and Rhea; future granddaughter-in-law Erica Puhalla. She is also survived by her brother LeRoy (Donna) Kornelius; sisters Carol Haarsager, Jean McManigle and Elaine (Dennis) Wadeson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Maree Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Douglas; grandson Jason Lines; brothers-in-law Elroy Haarsaager and Gene McManigle; son-in-law Roger Frovarp; and nephew Lannie Kornelius.

Memorial Service: Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 AM, West Funeral Home, Casselton, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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