Barbara B. Larson

Barbara B. Larson, 89 of Hastings, Minn., passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2026, at Regina

Barb was born March 27,1936 in Eleva, Wisc., to Ira and Vivian Blodgett. She was raised on the family farm.

On September 6, 1953, Barb married the love of her life Arne Larson. Together they had 4 children, Roxanne, Jami, Kristi and Mark. They lived in Eau Claire, Wisc., Hales Corners, Wisc., Marietta, Ohio, Cottage Grove and Hastings, Minn.

Barb was a selfless and devoted caretaker for her family, especially when her children faced serious health issues. She never complained and was always there.

Barb took her role as mom with enthusiasm, making most meals from scratch, and was known for making Scandinavian pastries, which she shared with everybody. She also sewed by hand many of the clothes her kids wore.

She collected cookbooks, mostly from the local community and churches, and spent hours looking for something new to try. Barb also was a voracious collector of family photos, filling up many photo albums and shoe boxes.

Barb and Arne loved to travel, taking the family on numerous road trips, but especially after retirement, in their motorhome, which took them around the country and into Canada and Alaska. They also traveled to Hawaii several times. Barb and Arne even included their kids and grandkids on many of their travels.

Barb was a member of United Methodist Church in Newport, Minn. She was active in the Ladies Club, Martha Circle and was treasurer of the Women's Club. She and Arne also took part in the church dinner club, making new friends, treasuring old ones, and welcoming them into their homes for meals.

Though a serious person, Barb also had a sense of humor that could disarm a person. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee and would make a fresh pot for anyone who stopped by.

Barb was very "house proud", keeping her house, it was always HER house, spotless, in spite of 4 kids. She took special care of dusting her knick knacks.

Barb loved her family. She attended as many of her kids events as she could, from concerts to baseball games. This continued as her grandchildren grew, often showing up at their events, too. Even as travel became more difficult for both her and Arne, if they could make it there, they did.

Barb is survived by her husband of over 72 years, Arne; her children, Jami (Mike Green) Callan, Kristi Rhode, and Mark (Jill) Larson; grandchildren, Erin (Kevin), JC (Emily Blackmer) Larson, Jordan (Marissa Burgess) Larson; great-grandchildren, Robert Crisson, Keira Crisson, and Anika Larson; and her siblings, Peggy (Jerry) Kinderman and Lauren Blodgett.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Roxanne; her son-in-law, Billy Rhode; her siblings, Sanny Sherman and Iris Blodgett; as well as her lifelong friend, Beverly Halvorson.

Barb had many names she answered to over her life, from Ma/Mom to her kids, Gramma, Grandma-Grandma, Bobbi to many other family members, Mrs. Larson to the neighborhood kids, but she will always be remembered as "Toots" to Arne.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Regina, who lovingly cared for her over these past few years, and especially to Angie, who Barb allowed into her heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, with visitation one hour prior. A reception will immediately follow the service. If you are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and available that day.

Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.