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East Helena Obituary: Karen L. Larson
Author: Family of Karen L. Larson

Karen L. Larson

Family of Karen L. Larson

August 4, 1944 – July 9, 2026

Karen Lorraine Larson passed away in Helena, Montana, on July 9, 2026, at the age of 81 years.

Karen was born in the front seat of a truck on the way to the hospital in Circle, Montana. Her parents were Mabel and Elvin Huseby, who farmed and ranched west of Circle. Her first 4 years of education were at a rural school near the Huseby Farm. She finished the rest of her education in Circle, graduating from Circle High School in 1962. She attended one year of college at Montana State University in Bozeman. Following that, she decided (as she says) to get her “MRS” degree instead and married Gordon Larson on September 21, 1963. They lived in Bozeman for the next year while Gordon finished his degree in Civil Engineering. Following graduation, Gordon went to work for the Montana Highway Department, and they moved to Glendive for 6 months and then to Helena. They lived in Helena for many years and then moved to their final home east of Helena, near Winston, where she spent the rest of her life. They had been married more than 62 years at the time of her passing.

Gordon and Karen were blessed with three children: Jeffrey (Tana) Larson of Helena, James (Kris) Larson of Helena, and Dave (Kristina) Larson of Butte. Karen has 13 Grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much.

Karen was the youngest of 11 brothers and sisters. All of them, except one, have preceded her in death. Her surviving sister (Betty) lives in Issaquah, Washington.

Karen was a woman of strong faith, believing and trusting in Jesus Christ. She lived her life as a strong Christian, teaching her children the same values. It is comforting to know she is in Heaven and no longer in pain.

She was heavily involved in Women’s Aglow Fellowship and was president of the local chapter for many years. Karen had several jobs in her younger years, but was mainly a stay-at-home mother until her children were grown. She eventually went to work for the Motor Carrier Services Division of the Montana Department of Transportation, retiring in 2002. One of her favorite hobbies was watching birds from her kitchen window. She was totally thrilled when a big red, black, and white pileated woodpecker showed up one day and a stellar jay on another day. She also very much enjoyed being out in nature, seeing beautiful scenery and wildflowers. Many miles were traveled following the Oregon Trail and visiting the Oregon Coast. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with all of them. Family gatherings were great times for her. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation hours were from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena. The funeral service was at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the funeral home. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Interment will be at Deep Creek Cemetery near Townsend following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization of your choice. Please visit https://www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Karen.

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