Margit S. Larsen

Margit Larsen built her life around hard work, family and her faith in the Lord. Always caring and thoughtful, she found great happiness in the simple pleasures of life. In every word and deed, Margit shared her unconditional love with her family and friends, the people who brought extraordinary joy to her life. In the year 1915, life was changing rapidly. Under the direction of President Woodrow Wilson, the United States was embracing the industrial revolution, and Americans everywhere celebrated the completion of the one millionth Ford automobile. Although current events were definitely exciting, for Peter and Anna (Engen) Strom of Frankfort, Michigan, the most exciting event of the year was the birth of their daughter, Margit, on November 30th. Margit was one of three Strom children and grew up in the company of her brother, Inar, and sister, Bernice. While her mother stayed home caring for the needs of the family, Margit's father was a 1st Mate on a car ferry, which moved railroad cars to various ports along Lake Michigan. Margit was best friends with the Captain's daughter and during the summer months the girls loved to ride along aboard the ferry with their fathers. Margit's parents were both from Norway, and raised their children with an awareness of their heritage. When Margit was 14, she and her mother took a trip overseas to Norway to visit relatives. Margit was a very sociable young lady and had many good friends in school. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1933, and went on to attend Howell School of Business (now Baker college), where she earned her business degree in 1935. Margit's life took a new direction when she was introduced to Harvey E. Larsen, through a mutual friend. They were both attending a young Lutheran's convention in Traverse City, and Harvey knew the moment he laid eyes on Margit that she was the one for him. In fact, he told his friend he was going to marry her one day. That day finally came on December 12, 1938, when they exchanged marriage vows in Frankfort. Happy and in love, the newlyweds settled down to married life together, and looked forward to the day they would have their own family. This didn't come easily as Margit had troubles carrying a baby to term, but finally they were blessed with their son, David, who they adored. Margit and Harvey enjoyed going dancing and spent many weekends in Chicago doing just that. After David was born, the couple stuck around home more simply enjoying being with him. Margit was very good at keeping in touch with all their out of town relatives - nothing was more important than family. This also included her church "family" at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where she was a member. When David was school age, Margit decided to put her business degree to good use as an Office Manager at Muskegon Aluminum & Brass Foundry. She was a dedicated employee here for 37 years before retiring in 1981, and was a member of the American Business Women's Association. After retiring, Margit spent much of her leisure time helping more in her church and the Ladies Church Circle. She also enjoyed visiting with her family in Florida and Menominee, Michigan. What brought Margit the greatest joy, though, was seeing her great granddaughter, Alyssa Ann, who always brought a big smile to her face. David and his wife, Joyce, will always remember how Margit's face would beam with pride and joy each time she saw little Alyssa. Sitting in heaven's garden, watching over her family, Margit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Margit S. Larsen, age 90, died Wednesday, September 13, 2006, following the compassionate care from her family and special caregivers. She is survived by her son, David (Joyce) Larsen of Norton Shores; 2 grandchildren: David H. Larsen II and Lisa (Brent) Major; 1 great granddaughter, Alyssa Ann Major; sisters-in-law: Florence Olsen, Sadie Larsen and Carrie Larsen; and many nieces and nephews. Margit was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey in 1992, brother, Inar E. Strom, and sister, Bernice Rodal. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Margit or sign the online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Hackley VNS Hospice House.