Elizabeth Larson

Elizabeth “Beth” Larson Very Loving Daughter. Ultimate Big Sister. Cheerful Aunt and Great Aunt. Adoring Grandma: known as Grandma, Grandma Beth and Umma. Best. Mom. Ever. Supportive, Patient and Loving Wife. Beth was born on February 12th, 1953 in Denver, Colorado to Betty and Cyrill Serwe. She was the first daughter and second oldest of 11 children. Her younger siblings fondly called her “Mama Beth”. There are memories of Beth helping teach her younger siblings how to brush their teeth, and she also took care of them while on the bus. She sewed toys for them to play with when she was able to purchase a sewing machine. As a child she lived in Peridot, Arizona as well as Reedsville, Milwaukee, Frontenac, Eitzen, and Shawano, WI. She graduated high school from Caledonia, MN. Beth moved to New Ulm and attended college at Doctor Martin Luther College where she earned her bachelor's degree in Christian Education. Beth worked as a waitress at the L&L Ranch in Shawano as well as the DMLC cafeteria. She was generous with her earnings and assisted with her younger siblings’ high school and college tuition. A Christian education for her family was of the utmost importance to her. After graduating, Beth was a Christian Day School teacher in Cibecue, AZ where she taught Apache children on a reservation. She met her future husband at her best friend Sandy Lent’s wedding. She married Mark Larson on January 7th, 1978. After marriage, Beth and Mark Larson moved to St. Paul, MN. Beth worked as a Christian Day School teacher at Christ Lutheran School. She and Mark had their first child, Jeremy Mark Larson, on July 19th, 1978. Their second child, Michelle Elizabeth, was born on September 19th, 1980. Finally, Deborah Ann was born on October 17th, 1984. Beth put her family’s needs before her own in every way possible. She chose to stay home with her children to raise them. She had her own in-home daycare center for many years as her children grew. She was a fixture in the bleachers at all of her children’s games and cheered them on through their lives in every way possible. Beth loved to spend time with her dogs Malayka, and then Ella, and was often seen walking one of them in the Oakdale Park. Beth couldn’t read enough books and also enjoyed a great Dateline episode. She adored her grandchildren and looked to spend as much time with them as possible. She enjoyed squealing fits and tickle fests with her grandchild Bella and attended many of her games and band concerts. She looked forward to Grandparent’s Day with Connor and Dominick. She loved to read to Eva and Addie and hold Baby Rosie when she was able. Beth passed away in her home after a year long battle for her heath. She had back surgery at the end of 2017 and due to complications, her cancer was discovered and diagnosed on her 65th birthday. After many hospital visits, she passed away peacefully at home almost a year later on January 22nd, 2018. She will be remembered for her cheerful hellos and encouraging demeanor. She made sure her family was well-fed and worked tirelessly for everyone else’s happiness outside of her own. She made all of us laugh with her ‘less than filtered’ opinions and has left endless stories for her family to share in her memory. Most importantly, she was a good and faithful servant of Christ. She led her life as a shining example of selfless love. Beth was generous to her family and made Christian Education a priority. She was loving, gentle and caring and will be so greatly missed by all who knew her. God gained a truly irreplaceable soul. Preceded in death by her parents Pastor Cyrill & Betty (Herzog) Serwe; brother James Serwe and niece Rebecca Hahn. Survived by husband of 41 years, Mark; children Jeremy (Sarajane) Larson, Michelle Martin (Adam) and Deborah Stoa (Brian); grandchildren Bella, Connor, Dominick, Evangeline, Adelynn & Rosalind; brothers Paul (Lynn) Serwe, Peter (Jody) Serwe & Mark (Debbie) Serwe; sisters Anne (Tom) Smith, Linda (Ron) Buchholz, Mary (Pastor Steve) Witte, Rebecca (Bill) Graumann, Rachel (Mark) Koelpin & Jane (Paul) Hahn; aunt Carol (Herzog) Chouinard and many nieces & nephews. Service Monday (January 28) at 11:00 am at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2475-17th Avenue East, North St. Paul. Visitation Sunday (January 27) from 4-7:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake and one hour before the service at church on Monday.