MARIE LARSON

Marie has gone on her final field trip, and she didn't even have to take her bus this time.  

Marie Ardene Buchholz Larson was born April 4, 1938, in Fremont, to Arthur and Charlotte.  She grew up on a farm in the Town of Lind, where she was active in the 4-H club.  She graduated from Weyauwega High School in '56, and married Joel in '57.  They were married for 66 years.  

After moving to Neenah, Marie worked as a crossing guard and later entered the retail world working at JC Penney.  She took classes to learn cake decorating, ensuring a steady supply of practice buttercream flowers in the ‘fridge. She went on to make numerous birthday and wedding cakes for many.  Her final, most rewarding position, was that of bus driver for 18 years with Kobussen Busses, a job she adored.  When she wasn't driving her regular school route, she filled her days with countless field trips.  

She loved music and filled the house with it.  She could be heard playing her favorite hymns on her piano or playing “The Beer Barrel Polka” on her prized cherry red accordion.  She'd sing “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” or she'd break out the 45s with “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?”  She also taught us to appreciate (or tolerate?) the old country stars like Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and especially her favorite, Charlie Pride.  

She never missed a choir practice at Martin Luther Church, where she also was a member of Ladies Aid and a Sunday School teacher.  She volunteered at Martin Luther School too – selling lunch tickets, directing plays, or sewing cheerleading uniforms.  

She loved carnations, coffee, crafting, and her Christmas cactus.  She collected angels and especially treasured the ones she received as gifts from her sister, Esther.  She loved baking and making jam from berries that she picked.  She was the fastest berry picker we knew, always telling Joel to pick more and eat less in the berry patch.  

She loved playing games.  Annie, Annie Over was a game we played often at the farm where she grew up.  She taught us to play Carrom too.  Then there were the card games!  She was always the first one to shout “Flinch” or “You didn't say UNO!”  And she was ruthless in Croquet, too — she'd send your ball sailing. 

Dementia stole much of her mind in the last few years, but it never diminished her sense of humor.  Her eyes lit up at seeing family members, and she'd be quick to crack a joke.  She giggled often to the delight of the staff at Oakridge Gardens.  

She is survived by 1 sister, 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Enjoy this final field trip, Mom!  We've heard that the unending tour is amazing and the exhibits exquisite.  Now your chewing gum will never lose its flavor, and in the words of Charlie Pride, Joel will once again be able to “kiss his angel good morning.” 

The visitation is Tuesday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. with service to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Martin Luther Church: 436 S Lake St, Neenah.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: https://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com