Katherine Larsen
Katherine Louise Clark Larsen, 100, passed away peacefully on Sat., April 19, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Home, in Watford City, N.D.
Katherine “Kay” Larsen was born on March 4, 1925, to Jasper Bennett and Easter Clark in Ashburn, Ga. The daughter of a cotton and peanut farmer, Kay was affectionately known as “Nolie” as she grew up. She had many chores growing up in the south, and talked about how electricity and running water were great luxuries!
She graduated from high school at 16 and went to business school in Atlanta. Working as a secretary, she met John O. Larsen when he was stationed at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. They were married Sep. 1, 1946, in Isabella, Ga., moving to Fargo, N.D., while John finished pharmacy school, then Mandan, Hope, (where John owned his first drugstore), and finally Watford City, N.D., where they opened Larsen Service Drug in 1952, living there the remainder of their lives.
Kay was a homemaker, giving her time to many places such as Watford City School PTA, First Lutheran Church where she was a longtime member, Sons of Norway, Campfire Girls and more. In later years, she became a member of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). She was an avid gardener and was happiest when she was watering and caring for her many types of beautiful flowers.
Kay enjoyed being a grandmother and great grandmother. Her special southern fried chicken and cornbread were family favorites, along with her chocolate chip cookies made with extra love and “orange zest.”
Kay entered the Good Shepherd Home Assisted Living Center in July 2016, and the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in January 2018. She thought she was living in the best place in the world and thoroughly enjoyed her years there. She particularly enjoyed playing bingo and was known by the staff as their “Georgia Peach.” While she missed Georgia, Kay thoroughly embraced living in western North Dakota where she found the people very friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. She and John enjoyed many lifelong friendships with neighbors, colleagues, and fellow community members.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Laurice “Laurie” Leek of Aurora, Colo.; son, Larry (Debbie) Larsen of Watford City, N.D.; daughter, Lisa (Tim) Gerlach of International Falls, Minn.; six grandchildren, Drew (Rachel) Leek, Colin (Katlin) Leek, Michelle (Jayme) Carson, Jenna (Sheldon) Wahlstrom, Chris (Alissa) Larsen, and Sean (Lizzy) Larsen; ten great-grandchildren, Naomi Leek, Olivia and Avery Leek, Zoe, Esme and Leia Carson, Kai and Tucker Larsen, and Axel and Levi Wahlstrom; and her brother, Robert (Glenda) Clark of Sylvester, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John O. Larsen; son, Lyle Larsen; parents, Jasper Bennett and Easter Fields Clark; brother, Cosby Clark; and in-laws, Olaf and Laura Larsen.
Funeral Services for Kay were held on Mon., April 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D., with Minister Matthew Rolfson officiating. A luncheon followed the burial at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City for a time of fellowship and sharing. Kay was laid to rest at Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, N.D. Visitation was held on Sun., April 27, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. and one hour prior to services at the church. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D. assisted the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.