Joan Larson
Joan W. Larson was born on May 8, 1923, in Conover, WI. She was the middle child of Floyd and Lela Warner. She grew up on her parent’s fur farm in Conover and graduated from Eagle River High School.
Joan attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. While there, she met her future husband, Russel Larson. She also graduated with a degree in Home Economics and Education.
Following Russ’s return from his service in WWII, Russ and Joan were married in Madison in 1945. From there they lived in southern Wisconsin, and Park Forest, IL. While there, Russ began his employment with the Federal Aviation Agency. That work took them to many places: Concord, Mass., Northfield, New Jersey, Kansas City, and then back to Northfield. Joan's career was a teacher, first in Illinois and then for over thirty years in Northfield, NJ. She was very well respected and sought after as a teacher.
In 2001, Joan and Russ retired to Venice, FL, where they made many friends as “snowbirds,” living in Florida in the winter. In the summer, they spent there time in Conover, Wisconsin at the house where Joan was raised.
After Russ’s passing in 2018, Joan went to live with her son Donald in Durham, NC. Following a long illness, she passed away on September 14, 2025.
She is survived by her two sons, Douglas and Donald; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Joan grew up in a pioneer environment in northern Wisconsin and maintained a pioneer attitude throughout her life. She was fiercely loyal to Russ and her family and to the many friends that she made throughout her life and career. She will be greatly missed.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Eagle River Cemetery.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com PAID OBITUARY
