Wanda Larsen

Wanda was born October 31, 1933 in Superior, Nebraska to her parents Harold C Jensen and Elizabeth M (Leece) Jensen and older sister Rita Jensen.

She spent her early childhood in Fremont, Nebraska and moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1942. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and studied fine arts at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Wanda met Charles Larsen in 1951 and they were married June 26, 1954. They welcomed their first child Charles (Chip) in 1955, daughter Lisa in 1958 and son Scott in 1968. Wanda considered her family to be her greatest treasure.

During their 67 year marriage, Wanda and Chuck lived in many places including: Alexandria, Virginia, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Naples, Florida and Overland Park, Kansas.

Throughout her many years in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Wanda was an active member of the community. She loved to be of service to others and to make an impact wherever she could. She was a member of Service League, P.E.O (Chapter FK in Council Bluffs and Chapter IT in Kansas City). She served on numerous boards and committees including the United Fund Women’s Division, Girl Scouts of America, YMCA, Opera Omaha, Jennie Edmondson Hospital Auxiliary and Council Bluffs Public Schools. She was gifted with organizational and leadership skills.

Wanda was blessed to be born into a family of great faith and this faith guided her life and her desire to be of service. At Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, Wanda served in many ways during her 50 year membership. Her service included Stephen Ministry, teaching adults and high school youth and she shared her leadership skills as President of the congregation for 2 years. Wanda also served on 3 Southwest Iowa Synod Boards.

After retiring in 1992 to Naples, Florida, Wanda continued her service to the church at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She served as a Stephen Minister, lector, and Adult Bible study teacher. While in Naples, Wanda and Chuck enjoyed many friends, and lots of golf. They also had the opportunity to travel internationally. Golfing at St Andrews in Scotland, seeing the outback in Australia and New Zealand, and visiting the Holy Lands were among some of their favorite memories.

Returning to the Midwest in 2006 and for her remaining years, Wanda enjoyed many social friendships. Her Friday Friends Bible Study group was very special to her. She also loved her “Glynmor Gals” who shared fun gatherings for book club, cards and going out to lunch.

Wanda was a gracious hostess, loved to create beautiful tablescapes, and was a fabulous cook. Her home was often the destination for many friends, and most of the family’s Holidays and celebrations. She experienced so much joy in watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren become the people God intended them to be.

She is preceded by her parents Harold C Jensen and Elizabeth M Jensen, and by her sister Rita Jensen.  She is survived by her husband of 67 years Charles L Larsen, her beloved children Charles E Larsen (Susan), Lisa B Havens (Kenneth), Dr. Scott C Larsen (Deborah), her grandchildren Jeff Larsen (Mary), Lauren Gilbert (Cass), Kristen McElliott (Jeremy), Eric Havens (Stephanie), Kyle Larsen (Erin), Kelsey Larsen, and by her Great Grandchildren Reese Gilbert, Colston Gilbert, Rylee McElliott, Ava McElliott and Dominic Havens.

The family suggests contributions to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care https://crhcf.org/donate/