Donna M. Larson

Donna M. Larson, 90, of Brookings, SD formerly of Kearney, died peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at the Edgewood Vista Care Center in Brookings. Funeral Services will be on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney. Rev. Stephen Price-Gibson will officiate and burial will follow at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be submitted by visiting www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements. Donna was born on December 22, 1927, to Julius and Christine (Gerlach) Daberkow in Merrick County, Nebraska. She attended school in Merrick County and graduated from high school in Grand Island. On January 5, 1949, she was united in marriage with Richard E. (“Dick”) Larson in Grand Island, Nebraska where they lived until moving to Kearney in 1956. Shortly after Richard’s death on Dec. 29, 1998, Donna moved to Northridge Retirement Community in Kearney where she resided until August 2017. At Northridge she had a loving, 5-year friendship with Bruce Morris. Bruce passed away in 2014. Donna’s last several months were spent at Edgewood Vista in Brookings where she received wonderful care while close to family. After graduating high school, Donna worked as a bookkeeper at Farmers Union Elevator in Grand Island. She later worked as a long distance telephone operator, beginning at Bell Telephone in Grand Island and for many more years at General Telephone in Kearney. She retired from GT&E in 1985 after 32 years of service. Donna’s love for family and friends was measurable in food calories. She was exceptionally accomplished as a baker of a fantastic array of delicious cakes, pies, rolls, and cookies. Her platters of Christmas cookies and candies were looked forward to every year. Donna also created numerous heirlooms with her knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and needlepoint. Her projects included afghans, stocking caps, pictures, and many more. Donna was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She is survived by sons Gary (Pam) of Brookings, SD and Ron (Rhonda) of Idaho Falls, ID; three grandchildren, Erica, Ross, and Alyssa; two brothers, Don (Carol) Daberkow of Grand Island and Stan (Julie) Daberkow of University Park, MD; sister-in-law, Pat Stephensen of Belleview. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E.; son, Richard L.; sister, Phyllis Dryer; and her very special friend, Bruce.

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Donna M. Larson

December 22, 1927 - January 14, 2018